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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 




MRS. LULA M. DUDLEY. 



THROUGH 

Pastures Green 



By 



MRS. LULA M. DUDLEY 

n 



PENTECOSTAL PUBLISHING COMPANY 

LOUISVILLE, KY. 






v^ 



Copyright 1912 
By Mrs. Lula M. Dudley 



£C!.A312420 



With a deep, loving and prayerful 
interest in the welfare of my grand- 
children, I dedicate to them this book. 



PREFACE. 

One day, a shepherd lad was seeking 
water for his flock, when he struck a rock 
from the mountain side with his staff, 
and a little stream burst forth and ran 
sparkling and leaping down into the vale 
below. 

It ran on and on until it came to a 
large stone. It said, "Oh ! stone, go with 
■me." But 'the hard old stone moved not. 
The little stream threw all its force 
against it, but to no avail. 

The clouds looking down, had pity for 
the little stream; and opening their win- 
dows, sent forth a shower of rain. This 
so enlarged the stream, as to divide it in- 
to two arms, which wound themselves 
about the stone — hugging it in a loving 
embrace. 

Ever and anon, as the stone thus lay 
in the bosom of the stream a soft little 
voice kept saying, "Oh! Stone, go with 
me." 

The cloud had pity again, sending more 
showers till the increased power, and gen- 
tle loving persuasion of the little stream 



conquered and the stone yielded, falling 
over into the cooling waters below. 

]STow, the little birds, perching on the 
branches of the trees near by, sing as they 
dip their bills into the clear water flowing 
'so peacefully over its rocky bottom. 
School children returning home, refresh 
themselves; and thirsty cattle, slowly 
wending their way homeward from green 
pastures, slake their thirst in the cool 
waters. L. M. D. 



THROUGH PASTURES GREEN. 

CHAPTER I. 

Browse Hill, April 12, 18— 
Mrs. Lucy Grey: 

'Dear Aunt: — I must tell you of the 
greatest joy that has ever come into my 
life. One of the best men in all the world, 
Mr. Harry Holcomb, has asked me to be- 
come his wife. I have not answered him 
yet, because I wanted) to know what 
mama thought of it first. You know T 
would! never think of going against her 
wishes — no never — But when I told her 
and showed her Harry's letter, she kissed 
me with tears in her eyes and said she 
knew of no one to whom she would more 
willingly give me than him, if I must 
leave her at all. Papa is also willing be- 
cause he knows Harry is so noble and 
good. 

Poor Harry! 'When I think of his 
beautiful little valley home, looking so 
lonely and 'desolate; and he the sole oc- 
cupant, no doubt lonely too, I feel so 
7 



8 Through Pastures Green. 

grateful to Godi that He is giving me 
a mission to do in making it bright; and 
if love can do that, it will surely beam 
with sunshine. 

Now auntie, please don't think I am 
smitten with a romantic fever, for I am 
not. Precious mama taught me long ago 
that love was not a romance, but a gift 
of God. I am sure I to'day realize the 
truth of the lesson. 

This reminds me, that I must not close 
my letter .before telling you something of 
the state of my soul since I joined the 
ranks of the redeemed. I am still trying^ 
in my poor weak way, to follow Jesus ; 
and at times I feel He is more than life 
to me. Mama smiles and shakes her 
head. She says one must be crucified 
with Christ to the world before He can 
be more than life to them. Precious 
mama ! she 'knows far better than I, what 
it takes to be a wholly sanctified Chris- 
tian; for I know she walks in a more sa- 
cred nearness with Go ! d than I have ever 
done. But what it is that I am not will- 
ing to sacrifice for His sake, or what tal- 
ent I am withholding from His service 



Through Pastures Green. 9 

that I too, might have this great salva- 
tion, I am sure I cannot tell. Perhaps 
G-od will show it to me some day, and 
when He does, I must yield it up at once, 
for this is the 'Cry of my heart: 

"Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole, 
I want Thee forever to dwell in my soul. 
Break down every idol, cast out every foe, 
And wash me and I shall be whiter than 
snow." 

April 13. — Oh! auntie, I know what it 
is now. God has shown it to me even 
sooner than I expected. Yes, I know 
what it is that I'm not willing to sacri- 
fice for Jesus' sake, and what talent I 
would withhold from His service. Indeed, 
it is so plain to my spiritual vision now, 
and so sensible to my conscience-smitten 
soul, that my heart is broken — bleeding — 
dying. 

But I will begin at the first and tell 
you all. Oh! pray for me, for my soul 
is in great agony — yes, full of trouble. 

Last evening, dear mama received a 
dangerous hurt from 1 a fall she bad in 
passing from the back g'allery to the 



10 Through Pastures Green. 

kitchen. This morning papa sent for me 
in haste. I went; and oh! how shall 1 
write it down ? I found her sinking fast 
after having given birth' to a helpless 
babe. 

'Oh ! this awful and unexpected blow of 
having to give up my precious mama! 
My very heart is rent in twain at the 
thought. And I must give up Harry too, 
and devote my life to those she leaves be- 
hind. This is her wish I know; for as 
soon as I entere'd her room this morning, 
and saw the pallor of death on her dear, 
sweet face, this conviction was stamped at 
once on my soul. It became more fixed 
and settled there, as poor, sweet mama 
placed her hand on the sleeping infant 
at her side, and turning with a most be- 
seeching look to me, commende'd it to my 
care. (But all at once, as she seemed to 
recollect, an expression of holy calm set- 
tled upon her features and she mur- 
mure'd almost inaudibly, for she was sink- 
ing fast, "TSTo', dear child 1 — nothing at all 
— Harry — be happy with him/ 5 

I fell on my knees beside her, and 
burying my face in the bedclothes, cried 



Through Pastures Green. 11 

till it seemed my heart would break. I 
coul'd not speak one word, not even in 
prayer; and knelt there in this state until 
a deathly stillness reigned throughout the 
room. I looked up and all had left but 
old Aunt Rachie, the colored woman, and 
she was closing mama's eyes, for she was 
gone. 

"Poor chffl!" she said, "don't take it 
so hard, for your good ma is shore in 
heaven." 

Her kind words sent a fresh burst of 
grief to my heart, and rushing from that 
awful scene of death, I came up here to 
my ro'omi in the hope, that pouring out 
to you my grief, would ease to some ex- 
tent my troubled soul. 

Ah! how little did I think yesterday 
while penning those few lines to you of 
my great joy over the anticipation of a 
happy life with one I loved so well, that 
this awful stroke of sorrow should so soon 
fall on me. And how little, still, did I 
realize the deceitfulness of my depraved 
human heart. Truly "the heart is de- 
ceitful above all things and desperately 
wicked," and Fve been weighed in the 



12 Through Pastures Green. 

balance and found wanting. How often 
I have made my boast that Jesus was 
more than life to me ! But I find that in 
giving up my dear mama I cannot say, 
"Thy will be done/' for oh, there is such 
a hungering in my heart to have her back 
again. Worst still, perhaps, when I think 
of the great sacrifice which her death re- 
quires of me — giving up all my plans for 
the future, and trusting alone in 'God to 
mete them out to me day by day, and 
make me happy in my loss of Harry and 
mama, I feel a shrinking of soul that 
justly merits the frown of an offended 
God. Oh, this horrid, ugly something — 
depravity I know, that wants to have its 
way and assert itself ! 'This awful some- 
thing in my heart which must be purged 
away in Jesus' blood! Oh, what shall I 
do? My heart is bleeding at every pore. 
Can this be the crucifixion of self that 
my precious mama has so often spoken to 
me of? No; for she said that I must be 
crucified with Christ to the world; and 
He consented to His crucifixion, and I 
do not to mine. But if I should, would 
it not result in a death indeed to self, and 



Through Pastures Ch'een. 13 

the resurrection of a life ff hid with Christ 
in God?" Surely I ought to consent, for 
Jesus consented to His death for me. 
gracious God! help me I justly ought — 
indeed I must — I will — I do consent. Yea 
Lord, I do indeed consent, and right now 
with the deepest reverence I dedicate my 
all — my very life, and what God in His 
wisdom may choose to make of it. Yes, I 
do solemnly make this covenant with Him 
this day; and it is to he an everlasting 
covenant. Oh, such a restful calm is set- 
tling upon my soul. It is the Holy Ghost 
— that white- winged messenger of peace, 
to witness the work that Christ through 
His death has done for me. He is my 
altar on which I've placed myself — my 
all; and ^whatsoever toucheth the altar 
shall he holy." Glory to Jesus! I be- 
lieve it. 

Your bereaved and afflicted little girl, 
though washed in the precious 'blood, 

Theodora. 



14 Through Pastures Green. 



CHAPTER II. 

Browse Hill, May nth. 

Dear Auntie: It has been just one 
month today, since dear mama left this 
world for a better one; and just two weeks 
since Harry Holcomib left us to make his 
home in another and far distant state. 

Yes, I have looked upon his face for 
perhaps the last time in my life; and 
while I love him just as well — nay — with 
a purer love than ever, yet I can lay my 
hand upon my heart and say, "Thy will 
be done." Fve been hurried through 
some sad and changing scenes of late, yet 
my God, how I thank Thee for the bap- 
tism of love which I received as I passed 
through the furnace ! How it soothes my 
sorrow and calms my soul ! If Harry only 
had this blessed experience of perfect love. 
If he had only submitted patiently to his 
fate and consecrated himself to God and 
to a life of usefulness for Him, how dif- 
ferently would he now feel. Instead of 
seeking to forget what he calls his mis- 
fortune, amidst different scenes and dif- 



Through Pastures Green. 15 

ferent people, be would now he rejoicing 
in God his Savior, and doing heartily for 
Him, whatsoever his hands found to do, 
and that with all his might. But he 
would not consent to stay one day lon- 
ger than he could make his arrangements 
to leave. He has sold his beautiful little 
home and farm for a mere trifle in com- 
parison 'to its real worth, and gone, he 
says, where he will not always be remind- 
ed of the greatest disappointment that he 
has ever been called upon in his life to 
bear. Dear, dear Harry ! How my heart 
yearns for your welfare. iMy prayers shall 
go with you, and I trust, be a safeguard 
for you in every danger, trial and temp- 
tation; and at last bring you to realize, 
that the Rock of Ages is the safest ref- 
uge for your troubled and tried soul. 

I find the home duties which I have 
chosen for my blessed Master's sake, a 
sweet labor of love. I joy in ministering 
to dear papa's comforts, and try to do it 
•as much like my precious mama would as 
I can. And I know that God is helping 
me; for only yesterday evening, as twi- 
light was gathering in the room, and 



16 Through Pastures Green. 

while I was rocking and singing our lit- 
tle babe to sleep, I was all at once re- 
minded of a request that father made of 
mama once. He said, "My dear, I wish 
you would always have the -house lighted 
up before dark. It makes home seem 
more cheery and bright as I come in from 
my work." Mama always 'did it, after 
that, and now my heavenly Father is so 
kindly reminding me of the duties which 
she will never again perform for those 
she loved. I arose at once, and after 
lighting the lamps, I began to sweep the 
floor and put things in order ere papa 
came home. He walked in as I was .ar- 
ranging in a vase some honeysuckles that 
little Van had gathered in the woods that 
day and brought home. He stood and 
looked at me until tears gathered in his 
eyes; 'then clasping me in his arms he 
exclaimed: "My own little daughter! My 
darling's mantle has fallen upon you." 

Yes, these home duties are very sweet; 
and there are a great many more besides 
those of ministering to papa's comforts, 
for the children also justly claim a large 
share of my attention. The little babe, 



Through Pastures Green. 17 

whom we have named 'Clair, is a source of 
enjoyment to us all. Aunt Rachie gives 
us much assistance and timely counsel — 
in fact she has almost the sole care of 
him. She spends hours in washing and 
dressing him, and preparing his milk; 
talking the while in baby lingo to the de- 
light and amusement of the children. 

Brother John and Richard have return- 
ed to college, and I continue to teach little 
Van and May-Bell as I did before mama's 
death. With all these duties, I find 'my 
time pretty well filled up. Indeed I am 
kept so busy, that I can only fill mama's 
place at home and yet I feel that I would 
love so much to follow her lowly walk 
among the poor, the sin-smitten and dis- 
tressed. But then, I have given .my all — 
my every talent to God. Let Him use me 
as He wills. 

May 20th: I have not been able to fin- 
ish my letter until today -as my duties 
have been so numerous. As I try to com- 
ply with your request and tell of all the 
principal details of our homelife and gen- 
eral affairs, it takes much of my time. 
Yesterday morning as I was hearing little 



18 Through Pastures Green. 

May-Bell recite her lesson, Aunt Rachie 
gave mie the baby until she could see to 
something very pressing in the kitchen. 
MayMBell went on with her reading, but 
very soon I could not hear one word she 
was saying; for the baby began to fret 
and 'then to cry. Van came with his 
geography about that time. "Do Sister," 
he said, ^find the Bay of Biscay for me." 
This confusion and pressing demand on 
my time and patience, was very trying 
to me, and yet, Oh, how can I ever de- 
scribe this new experience of grace? Deep 
down in my soul the mighty power of love 
held sway, and had not the slightest in- 
clination to yield to the outside foes* — 
the powers of darkness. Papa came in 
about this time, and observing the con- 
fusion, said I Was taking on myself more 
than I was able to do. 

"You are right," said Aunt Rachie, 
who had returned to take the baby. "She 
is wearing herself out and these children 
ought to be sent to school." 

"Yes," replied papa, "I am glad you 
mentioned it. I will start them in at the 
academy at once." 



Through Pastures Green. 19 

"No, do not/' I cried, "for mama would 
never have done so, I know." 

"Your mother would not nave objected 
to them going to the new principal of the 
school, Professor Pitts. All the patrons 
who are capable of judging, say that he 
is a most excellent Christian gentleman, 
and! has ian eye to his pupil's moral and 
Christian as well as literary education." 

I ventured no other remonstrance then, 
for I saw that he was right. Indeed I 
now realize, that only one day's relief 
from the care of them has refreshed me 
wonderfully. And then today, when look- 
ing over the family wardrobe, I saw that 
there was at least a month's work for me, 
in making new clothes and repairing old 
ones. And so I am to have more leisure, 
and can learn to imitate dear mama's ex- 
ample in other walks than those at home. 
Ah, my blessed Jesus ! 'How lovingly He 
leads me — -granting my every desire. But 
does He not say in His word, '"Delight 
thyself in the Lord and He will give thee 
the desires of thy heart?" Truly He is 
making the rough places smooth, and the 
narrow pathway which my trembling feet 



20 Through Pastures Green. 

a short time since began to tread, is 
broadening as I go forward and gradually 
becoming, as a sweet writer once ex- 
pressed it, "radiant with the glory of Him 
that shines upon it." 

I ga.the.red up the little garments which 
I had selected from a drawer to mend, 
and seating myself at an open window, 
began my work. A faint sweet odor from 
a violet bed under the window, 'drew my 
attention to the scene without. It was a 
lovely May morning; and although a few 
moments before, there had been a gentle 
shower of rain, now the sun was shining 
in all its brilliancy, and a, myriad of 
diamond-hued raindrops sparkled on leaf 
and flowers. Even the wheat fields be- 
yond the little flower garden upon which 
my window opened, waved back a brill- 
iant hue from sun and shower. Beyond 
the wheat fields in the far distance could 
be seen, green bay, dogwood and scarlet 
maple, waving their glittering branches 
in the morning sun; while here and there 
a tall pine reared its lofty head far above 
all. 

As I sat and gazed upon this scene of 



Through Pastures Green. 21 

loveliness, my ear was attracted by the 
soft music of the wind and the chiming 
of birds, which made a concert in praise 
to nature's God. Joining in with all my 
powers I sang: 

"Praise God from whom all blessings 

flow, 
Praise Him all creatures here below, 
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host, 
Praise Father, Son and Holy 'Ghost." 



22 Through Pastures Green. 



CHAPTER in. 

Browse Hill, May 20th. 

Dear Auntie: I have had) some heavy 
crosses and 1 sore trials to bear since I 
wrote you last; but now do not imagine 
that I am not as happy as ever, for I am 
willing — yes, gladl to suffer and endure 
with Jesus. These lines of a sweet old 
hymn, comes fresh to my mind while I 
write : 

"Soul, then know thy full salvation, 
Rise o'er sin, an'd fear, and care. 
Joy, to find in every station, 
Something still to do or bear." 

But as I write, I am reminded of the 
fact, 'that I have been showing to you, on- 
ly the bright side of my poor little life, 
when there is a dark side also. This 
dark side is made up of my trials, temp- 
tations, mistakes and "blunderings, in try- 
ing to do the will of Jesus, my kind, pa- 
tient and never-failing friend and teacher. 
Oh ! when I think of His patient and ten- 
der care over me; and then of my weak- 
ness and ignorance, I exclaim: (tf What is 



Through Pastures Green. 23 

man that Thou art mindful of hiim, or the 
son of man that thou visitest him ?" But 
this dark picture, I will not suffer myself 
to look at often, lest I become discour- 
aged!. Indeed I only look at it, at all, in 
order that I may remember my weakness 
and that He said, "Without me, ye can do 
nothing." Satan, however, never wearies 
in holding it up before me, to attract my 
gaze 'from the "Lamb of God that taketh 
away the ,sin of the world/' » 

But I started out to tell you something 
about these trials, and so I will proceed. 
Several 'days ago, papa gave me some 
money to purchase what was needed in 
the line of summer clothing, household 
linen, etc. Thinking that I could be bet- 
ter suited in the city than in our little 
town, I took the early morning train, and 
arrived there about half past ten o'clock. 
I was very busy all day, hurrying from 
one store to another, in order to finish my 
shopping in time to return on the three 
o'clock train in the afternoon. Half past 
two found me in the ladies' sitting room 
at the depot, with a few minutes in which 
to rest, before my train was due. 



24 Through Pastures Green. 

iAs I sat reflecting upon the little de- 
tails of the day, I remembered how care- 
fully I tried to glorify God in each one; 
for I realize now, more than ever before, 
that we can honor Him in small as well 
as great things. For instance: in select- 
ing May-Bell's dresses, and clothing for 
little Van, together .with table linen, 
towels, etc. While getting something 
■durable and good, be willing to give a 
good price, and "use not many words in 
buying and selling," as Mr. Wesley has 
so wisely taught us. And then not to 
forget as I passed down the street to 
smile pleasantly to the little lame girl 
that stood on her crutch at the crossing 
selling her wares. "Poor little unfor- 
tunate," I reflected, "motherless, perhaps, 
and friendless." I purchased one of her 
toys for our baby and paid her twice its 
value and moved on. I was aroused from 
these reflections by the arrival of my 
train ; and purchasing my ticket, I was 
soon seated in a coach, where I found I 
was the sole occupant, except the conduct- 
or. 

I was growing hungry to see my little 



Through Pastures Green. £5 

group at home now, and while the dis- 
tance was short, it seemed long to me. 
I 'began wearily to inspect the furnish- 
ing of the beautiful coach, whose luxury 
was benefiting no one this afternoon but 
myself and the lonely conductor who sat 
opposite me, reading a paper. Tiring of 
this also and being almost suffocated with 
the heat, I raised the window at my seat; 
and as I did so, I saw a wall pocket that 
was attached to the coach, which held a 
small Testament. This I took down and 
began to read. I read of Jesus as He 
taught the multitude as they pressed upon 
Him; and how, from sheer exhaustion 
He retired to a quiet spot for rest and 
solitude. Then I thought, vr how great 
is the demand for workers. The harvest 
indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are 
few. Am I engaging all my powers for 
Christ ? Ami I doing all that I could for 
Him?" 

As I reflected, the thought arose in 
my mind, that perhaps the man in front 
of me was in need of help; and that I 
might point him to the Lamib of G-od 
who taketh away the sin of the world. 



#6 Through Pastures Qreen. 

'"But lie is a stranger, and what would 
lie think and how would it look?" were 
the thoughts that flashed through my 
mind in rapid succession. Fearing that 
I might grieve the Holy Spirit by 
quenching a good impulse, I resolved to 
dio my duty at once, aiul dismiss the sub- 
ject from my minid. Raising my eyes, 
I beheld those of the conductor looking 
me full in the face. I know I must have 
been somewhat bewildered, from the 
dread that I might grieve the Spirit with 
a man-fearing spirit, for I suddenly beck- 
oned the conductor toward me by a wave 
of the hand. 

"I know he thinks Fmi crazy," I 
thought, as he came and <stood in front 
of me with a quizzical look in his eyes. 

<f Did you speak to me Miss?" he en- 
quired. 

My voice trembled with agitation as I 
replied, "Sir, I wanted to know if you 
loved God, the Savior of the world, of 
whom I've been reading in this blessed 
book?" 

"Of course I do," he answered, "every 
body loves Him, do they not?" But in- 



Through Pastures Green. 27 

stantly his expression changed! until, a 
cloud of gloom settled! upon his brow, 
and he added, "Yet sometimes I think, 
were I to die in my present condition, 
that I would! sink down into an ever- 
lasting hell. My life is indeed, an un- 
godly one, I can assure you." 

"Ah ! I thought you said that you loved 
God?" I ventured. 

"I suppose I do." he returned. 

^0 no! no indeed you do not," I said, 
"for in His word HeH plainly says, 'If 
ye love me, ye will keep my command- 
ments/ " 

At this instant the train whistled at 
my station; and handing the conductor 
my ticket, I arose and left the coach. As 
I passed out, I noticed that the seat be- 
hind the one I ha'd vacated, was occupied 
by a ladjy who had entered unobserved 
by myself; for I had not discovered her 
presence until then. 

For several days the conversation which 
I had had with the conductor on the 
train, kept returning to my mind with a 
tendency to depress it. (With an intui- 
tion of some sort which I cannot de- 



28 Through Pastures Green. 

scribe, I felt that I had made a mistake 
somewhere, and yet I could not tell what 
it was. 

Eemembering a widow, Mrs. Comer, 
who was an old and dear friend of ma- 
ma's, I resolved to go to see her, think- 
ing that she might refresh as well as en- 
lighten my mind, and help me to solve 
the difficulty. It was on Sunday after- 
noon that I put on my hat and started 
in the direction of her house. ■ 

'Ahead of me, as I passed down the 
street, I saw a crowd of men and boys 
playing marbles in front of ,a grocery 
and fruit stand. In the crowd, alas, was 
the Secretary of our Sunday school en- 
gaged in this idle sport on the Lord's 
day. How thankful and yet humbled I 
was, when they looked up and seeing 
my approach, that they dropped their 
heads, ceased the game and walked away. 
Why was I thankful and yet humbled 
at this? Because God has so exalted 
me — even me — a poor, weak, blundering 
girl) that I could say with Job, that 
great and good patriarch of old, "The 
young men saw me and hid themselves; 
the aged arose and stood up." 



Through Pastures Green. 29 

As I knocked at the door of Mrs. 
iComer's little cottage, it was answered 
in the person of that kind, good woman 
herself, who welcomed me with a loving, 
motherly caress. 

The last time I had visited at her 
house, was in company with my precious 
mama who had loved her so much. Now 
as the remembrance of that visit arose 
so fresh in my mind, I sank on the stool 
at her feet, and) burying my face in her 
lap, I cried and sobbed aloud. Oh ! how 
kind she was; and under the soft, gentle 
touches of her hand on my head, and her 
sweet words of consolation, I was sooth- 
ed and calmed; and drying my eyes, and 
seating myself in a chair by her side, I 
said; "Dear Mrs. Comer, please bear with 
me a little, and let me tell you some of 
my trials. You know I made an open 
profession of sanctification some weeks 
ago; but now I am sorely tempted by 
the evil one to think I made a mistake 
in taking such a step, as I am so weak 
and erring. I know that this is merely a 
temptation, for I would not for the world 
disclaim the gracious work that God has 



30 Through Pastures Green. 

wrought in my soul; and while I am not 
weary dn well doing, yet, Oh! somehow 
I am weary in body and in mind. Please 
lend a helping hand to a weary pilgrim, 
and G-od will bless you." 

This priceless woman knew exactly 
how to do this. She did not attempt to 
comfort me with mere words; she knew 
there was something better. "I un- 
derstand your case/' she smilingly 
said, and taking her Testament she began 
to read. Her soft, sweet voice mingled 
correspondingly with the precious words 
of consolation she was reading; and I 
repeated them in my heart as she went 
on, "Yes, troubled on every side, yet not 
distressed, perplexed, yet not in despair." 
"Mrs. Comer," I said, "there is indeed 
a balm in Grilead and I am greatly help- 
ed; for those words tell my experience 
exactly. But tell me please what you 
think of a little matter that weighs on 
my mind." I told her then of the cross 
I had taken up in speaking to the con- 
ductor on the train, and how I had suf- 
fered and felt depressed on account of it, 
and then asked her to tell me wherein I 
bad erred. 



Through Pastures Green. 31 

"I don't know that you have erred at 
all," she said. I think you acted nobly 
and wisely in improving that opportun- 
ity to sow a few seed for the Master. 
Some day you may reap the fruits of 
your labor. I said that you had not erred 
at all; but probably it would have been 
wiser to have waited until the conductor 
came for your ticket, instead of beckon- 
ing to him with your hand. This gave 
him room to think a little strangely, as 
the act was somewhat unseemly. How- 
ever," she said smiling indulgently, 
"this was only a trifle in comparison with 
the good your words may yet accomplish. 
We are liable to make a mistake, and you 
must not suffer them to worry your mind. 
Do the best you can each day, trusting 
God to take care of the consequences. He 
will surely do this and overrule all your 
mistakes for good. 

<e H little 'Clair was beginning to walk, 
and while taking his first steps he should 
stumble and fall, don't you think he 
would be more careful the next effort he 
made? And would you forsake him and 
not encourage him to try again? Indeed 



2>% Through Pastures Green. 

you would not; -but you would comfort 
and caress him, and lead him more tend- 
erly than ever. And so God deals with 
His children, using our blunders as les- 
sons to improve us, while loving and pity- 
ing us more tenderly than a mother. 

"But come," she continued changing 
the subject, "let me show you my flowers 
since I have taken them out of the hot- 
house and arranged them so prettily on 
the borders of the walk where the sun 
can get to them, they have grown and 
flourished beautifully. Take down the 
garden scissors in the hall, while I get 
my sunbonnet, and I will cut you a bou- 
quet." 

I. handed her the scissors and we pass- 
ed into the front yard where I saw every 
variety of hothouse .plants, from the tall 
abutilon, and scarlet pink, and white 
fish geraniums, down to the tiniest rose 
and nutmeg, blooming and rilling the 
atmosphere with fragrance. 

"Had you heard that Mary Saunders 
was quite sisk?" said Mrs. Comer clip- 
ping a white rose bud, and arranging it 
among the hothouse flowers she held in 



Through Pastures Green. 33 

her -hand. ■ "I missed her from my class 
at Sabbath school last '.Sunday, and cal- 
led yesterday to know the cause O'f her 
absence audi found her in bed. Stop- in 
to see her as you go home if you can. 
She loves you dearly, and a visit from 
you might do her much good." 

"Yes, I will," I replied, "and if you 
won't think me ungrateful, I will take 
these lovely flowers to her." 

"Do as you wish with them dear, they 
are yours." she said, kissing me goodby. 

I left her standing at the gate; and as 
I walked down the avenue in front of 
the house so beautifully shaded with ever- 
green, I remembered how often I had 
played there when I was a child. I have 
known Mrs. Comer since I can remem- 
ber and have been taught to revere and 
love her; and I am so glad I have, for 
what an invaluable friend she will be to 
me now, that my dear mother is taken 
from me. 

As I drew near the home af Mary 
Saunders, my heart breathed a prayer 
to God that I might be very guarded in 
all I said or did: ; for I knew I was about 



34 Through Pastures Green. 

to go among those who did not believe 
in nor understand] the doctrine of holi- 
ness which I profess. 

Mary (Saunders is a girl I dearly love. 
She is a true Christian, yet being in a 
home whose inmates are not at all congen- 
ial with her along these lines, she has 
a great deal to combat with. I found her 
very ill indeed and flushed with fever; 
and as I laid the flowers I had brought 
her, on the pillow against her hot cheek, 
I saw tears filling her eyes. 

"Thank you very much," she said, 
"how kind you are to bring them ! Oh ! 
Theo, I have longed to see you since I've 
been so sick, and I am so glad you have 
come at last. The doctor says I mustn't 
talk much, but dear you can read to me. 
Get <my little Testament yonder on the 
table. Eead me something real com- 
forting; and while you read, I will close 
my eyes and listen. 

I have felt too weak and listless since 
my illness to keep up my devotion, but 
now I'll have you do that for me please. 

I was about to comply with her wishes, 
when Mrs. Saunders arose and suddenly 



Through Pastures Green. 35 

left the room. As she passed into 'the 
hall, she turned and beckoned me to fol- 
low her and I did. When we were both 
in the hall and the door closed she said, 
"iMiss Arlington, I would prefer that you 
would not read the -Bible and hold pray- 
er with my daughter. The doctor says 
that she moist be kept very quiet, and of 
course such proceedings would excite her 
exceedingly." 

"Dear Mrs. Sanders, I plead, God's 
blessed word never excites the Christian, 
but soothes and .comforts as nothing else- 
can. Do let me pray at least with dear 
Mary before I go." 

'"I'm not to be persuaded," she replied 
coolly, looking toward the front door as 
though she would have me walk out at 
it. I did so, but not until I had seen 
poor Mary, and explained to her why I 
could not grant her request. Gathering 
up my hat and gloves from the dresser 
where I had left them, I kissed her hot 
cheeks andl whispered, "Look on the 
bright side, dear little friend, and remem- 
ber that whom the Lord loveth He chas- 
teneth." I met Mrs. Sanders at the front 



36 Through Pastures Green. 

door. 'Come and see Mary when she re- 
covers," she said blandly. 

I thanked her and passed out. Oh, how 
glad I am that I had a good mother, Aun- 
tie. Mrs. ; Sanders is a member of the 
church; yet she knows nothing of spi- 
ritual, heartfelt religion. Mary was con. 
verted last summer, and there has been a 
remarkable change in her since. Mrs. S ad- 
ders recognizes this herself, and says she 
is glad to see it, but does not believe in 
sanctification — and that we can "Never 
be perfect creatures in this sinful world." 
Ahi! No indeed! She is quite right in 
that; but thank God! we can be pure 
in heart and perfect in love and this is 
Banctrfication. 

Dear Auntie, good bye and pray often 
for your own little girl, 

Theodora. 



Through Pastures Green. 37 



CHAlPTEE IV. 

'Browse Hill, June 7, 18' — 

My dear Aunt : When I reached home 
that Sahbath afternoon, aJbout which I 
wrote you in my last letter, I found all 
the family on the front veranda, enjoy- 
ing the cool of the day. The sun was 
just sinking in the west, and as I ap- 
proached the house, I saw father sitting 
in his large armchair with May-Bell and 
Van on either side of him. That he was 
interesting them exceedingly, I could tell 
by their repeated exclamations of joy; 
and when I drew nearer, I saw that he 
was showing and explaining to them, the 
pictures in our large family Bible. 

Aunt Rachie was sitting at the far end 
of the veranda with little Clair on her 
lap, and as she sung in low tones an old 
cradle song, her turbaned head kept time 
to the soothing lullaby. 

As I ascended the steps, papa told Van 
to bring me a chair, and May-Bell to take 
my hat as I seemed, he said, wearied. 

"No," I said, "I want to enjoy the pic- 



38 Through Pastures Green. 

tures with you. Proceed papa, and don't 
suffer my coming to interrupt you/ 5 

He turned another leaf, and lo ! in- 
stead of a beautiful picture, there was 
the tear-stained record of my mother's 
death. There wais no joyful exclamation 
now; indeed it seemed as though a bomb 
shell had fallen into our midst, and 
taken one away. Even Aunt Eachie 
noticing the solemn stillness, ceased her 
song and bowed her head upon her breast. 
Papa at last broke the silence. "My 
precious children/' he said, wiping his 
eyes, "I will explain this picture also, 
for it, too, contains a lesson. It is to 
teach us that this life, however happy, 
can not last forever, and that its joys and 
sorrows are wisely mixed and mingled 
together. If it were not so, we might 
soon forgot God and cease to long for His 
coming. Dear children, you have a 
mother and a Savior in heaven. Let us 
meet them there." 

The ringing of the church bells for 
evening service drew our attention, and 
Aunt Eachie arose, and laying the baby 
in his little crib, withdrew to the dining- 



Through Pastures Green. 39 

room to prepare our evening meal. It 
consisted of buttered slices of light bread 
and glasses of milk, which she brought 
out on a waiter and handed around as 
was our custom on summer evenings, es- 
pecially on the Lord's day. 

As we walked to church that night, 
papa spoke of the Sunday school of 
which he is the Superintendent. He said 
he was so glad to see an increase in the 
membership, and unfolded several plans 
to me by which he hoped to increase its 
spiritual interest also. Oh! what a com- 
fort Auntie, when I think, that, while I 
am motherless, yet I have a good father, 
one that I can, and do honor. 

June the 8th: I had just written the 
above, when I had a visitor, and so was 
obliged to postpone finishing my letter 
until to-day. But that was all right — 
and I will now give you an account of 
that visit. But before I tell you that, 
let me first tell you something of *h« 
visitor. 

A very poor widow died here about a 
month ago, leaving five little children to 
the care of a married daughter with an 
infant of her own. 



40 Through Pastures Green. 

Remembering that pure and undented 
religion is to visit such as these in their 
affliction, I called at once to see them. 

How can I ever picture to you, dear 
Auntie, the wretchedness of that home? 
Lucy Perryman, the married daughter in 
whose care the orphan children were left, 
can not be much more than sixteen years 
old herself. She was sitting on a goods 
box in the center of the room, with a 
dirty crying infant on her lap. She was 
very slovenly dressed; and around her on 
the floor played the children of the house- 
hold, who were not only ragged, but ex- 
tremely dirty. The floor was soiled and 
badly littered, and as I seated myself be- 
side her, I took the baby on my lap and 
asked her its name. 

<r Rosie-Sofair," she said smiling upon 
it as though she thought its name suited 
it exactly. I thought to the contrary, 
as a disagreeable odor arose from it to 
to my nostrils. Handing the baby back 
to her I said, "Lucy, I want to help you 
in your great affliction, and comfort you 
all I can. I think I can understand how 
you feel; for I, too, have lost a mother 



Through Pastures Green. 41 

and know how to sympathize with moth- 
erless girls/' 

Tears sprang to her eyes and she 
thanked me warmly. 

After that she became very communi- 
cative and opened her heart to me in a 
simple childlike way on all points with- 
out reserve. I was surprised when T 
learned that her husband made $2.00 a 
day at the public works; and more so 
when I compared this fact with their 
poverty-sitricken appearance. But from 
further observation, I found that it was 
a lack of industry and good management 
at home, that rendered them so com- 
fortless and bare. I saw, that, were this 
matter remedied, more good would re- 
sult than to lay millions at their feet. 
I felt that I would love to aid her, in a 
sisterly way, to overcome these obstacles, 
but realizing that I must unite tact with 
prayer to do any thing successful in the 
matter, I put the subject from my mind 
for that time. 

•My heart yearned over the unfortunate 
little household and I longed to pour out 
my heart in prayer for them to the 'God 



42 Through Pastures Green. 

of orphans, which I did with Lucy's per- 
mission and then bade them] good bye. 

I think this visit did much to gain 
their affection for me; for- every day 
after that, poor Lucy would come to see 
me, with her dirty little infant on her 
■arm, and the five ragged, motherless little 
ones, following behind. 

This hindre'd me, each day, consider- 
ably about my work, and I could see that 
she was neglecting her's. It went on, 
however, until the morning I wrote you 
that I would not be able at that time to 
finish my letter, on account of a visitor, 
and that (personage was Lucy Perryman. 
I started to tell you about that visit, 
but ae I've taken up so much space In 
introducing to you her real character and 
ways, I will wait and give you an account 
of her visit in my nest letter. Humbly 
yours, , Theodora. 



Through Pastures Green. 43 



CHAPTER V. 

Browse Hill, June 13, 18—. 

Dear Auntie: As I entered the room 
that morning, I found Lucy as pleasant 
and well satisfied as ever, to be in rags 
and filth, and let the children remain in 
the same condition. They were all there 
again, from Rosie-Sofair, up to the old- 
est of the poor little orphans. 

I was puzzled what to do, but finally 
said, "Lucy, we will take a walk in the 
garden if you like. I want to have a 
little private talk with you. We can leave 
the children with Aunt Bachie until we 
return. Shall we not?" 

As we passed down the garden walk 
and seated ourselves on a rustic bench, J 
said, 'T/ucy, 'dear, if a person should see 
certain faults in you, and turn a colcl 
shoulder to you on account of them, and 
not speak to you, but to others about it, 
to your damage, would you think that 
person as good a friend to you as one 
who would frankly tell you of these 
faults, and help you overcome them?" 



44 Through Pastures Grem. 

cc 0i course not," she answered. 

'"Suppose then, that you and I agree to 
he that kind of friend! to each other, 
that is, help each other in this way. I 
think we need a friend like that — in fact, 
I know every one does for you know we 
all have our faults/' 

"Agree," said she, nodding her head 
like a child. 

"Well, you begin first and tell me of 
mine," I said smiling. 

"Oh! "she exclaimed," I don't see any 
fault in you at all. I think you are the 
best and kindest young lady in the world, 
and I love you dearly." 

How crestfallen I felt ! And now what 
a cross to tell her of those I knew she 
possessed. After a moment's reflection, 
however, I said, "Dear Lucy, if you can 
not see my faults, it is because you don't 
know me very well or perhaps behold me 
with a partial eye. At any rate, you 
saying that, does not disarm me of my 
'duty to you. My dear friend, I have 
seen some very grave ones in you, and I 
want to help you overcome them if I 
may." 



Through Pastures Green. 45 

"Of course, " she answered. "And tell 
mie what they are, for I want to be ex- 
actly like you if I can." 

Wed! the greatest of them all," I said, 
and then hesitated! — not knowing exactly 
how to come to the truth, "are your sloven 
and untidy habits." 

Poor Iiucy cast her eyes down to her 
tattere'd calico dress that lay in loose, 
dirty folds about her. When she raised 
them, they were filled with tears. 

"Oh !" I thought, with all my intended 
precaution and tactfulness, I have bung- 
led at last." 

<f You have hurt my feeMngs," she 
cried, "worse than I could have imagined 
you would." 

*Tjucy," I said in the kindest tone I 
could, "if I should undertake to extract 
a splinter from your hand, it would hurt 
you, would not it ?" 

"Of course," she answered. 

'"Well then, these faults are like that. 
'I am trying to pick them out of your 
character and it hurts you, nevertheless 
they ought to come." 

"Yes I see — I see," she said, "go on. 



46 Through Pastures Green. 

But wait and let me tell you first my 
situation. Well, my husband, is good 
enough to get me dresses and I have a 
trunk at home most full of dress pat- 
terns that he has brought home for me at 
different times, but I can't have a sewing 
machine like other folks and how am I 
to get anything done with all these chil- 
dren to look after?" 

'That is rather difficult; but I have a 
machine and can help you some. You 
can soon learn though, by arranging your 
work systematically, to depend upon your 
own efforts principally. By using good 
judgment and economy, I think that your 
husband, with a salary of $2.00 a day, 
might soon be able to buy you a sewing 
machine. Yes, management, Lucy, is the 
first lesson you will have to learn. And 
now if you will let me spend the day with 
you tomorrow, I will try to teach you 
what little I know in that line. I might 
be able to give you a few ideas." 

"All right/' she said in childish tri- 
umph, and now we saw the children com- 
ing, we returned to the house. 

"0[ will look for you early," she said 
as she left, '"be sure and come." 



Through Pastwres Green. 47 

The next morning after breakfast, I 
put on my sunbonnet, and taking the 
little path through the woods, I started 
in the 'direction of 'Lucy's house. 

I felt such a joy in my heart, because 
I was going on a mission fox Jesus. 
Nature's robe on a May morning, had nev- 
er seemed so bright and 'beautiful as on 
this particular day. Indeed the birds 
seemed to sing sweeter, the air was more 
/balmy, and the little brook which ran 
at the bottom' of the hill, in a few steps 
of Lucy's house, seemed cooler and clear- 
er than ever, as it gurgled along its 
pebbly course, as if rejoicing in its free- 
dom. 

!Aia I came near the cottage, Ida, the 
eldest of the orphans, was standing in 
the door. When she saw me, she seized 
a broom and began to sweep vigorously. I 
could not but wonder at the sweet humi- 
lity and teachableness of these poor ob- 
scure people — a virture so rare, among 
those who would call themselves their 
superior. "This is why the common peo- 
ple heard Jesus gladly," I reflected, 
''they were humble and teachable." 



48 Through Pastures Green. 

I found in the humble little home, a 
considerable improvement. The beds 
looked more tidy, the chairs were arrang- 
ed more orderly, and the hearth was 
painted over with a coating of lime. Over 
the mantlepiece, I noticed that several 
newspapers had been pasted on the wall 
which showed that the poor little occu- 
pants had tried at least to give the room 
a more cleanly appearance. And it did 
look cooler and fresher. I tried to en- 
courage them by exclamations of praise. 
She remarked that she would have scrubb- 
ed the floor also if she'd had time. 

"Oh ! well." I said, "we can't do all at 
once, but what you do, try always to do 
well. Also let it be an every day business. 

She now took from a trunk several 
dress patterns of calico and gingham, 
saying, "Among the lessons you teach me 
to-day, please let one be, to cut and fit 
this cloth into dresses for me and the 
children. I am determined, hereafter, to 
keep my person nice as well as my house, 
but there is so much to do, that I hardly 
know where to begin." 

"With prayer," I suggested, "and if 



Through Pastures Green. 40 

you will continue each morning to gather 
these children around you and read a por- 
tion of the scriptures to them asking God 
to help you control and manage them and 
your domestic duties through the day, 
with wisdom andl good judgment, you 
will find it a great help in keeping and 
preforming these new resolutions. You 
can't do it in your own strength, Lucy. 
Jesus says, 'Without me ye can do no- 
thing." 

I read some in her little Testament 
and we had prayer, after which we went 
to work in earnest. 

I will not go through with all the de- 
tails of the day; but I tried to help and 
show her ais far as I knew myself, how 
to keep house and do her work to the 
best advantage. 

Very soon I had one of the children 
bringing in wood for the stove, another 
bringing waiter from the spring, and an- 
other caring for the baby; while Lucy, 
herself, cut and basted a lining to a coat 
which I had just fitted. We worked on 
till near the hour for dinner, and then 
Lucy and -Ida withdrew to the kitchen. 



•50 Through Pastures Green. 

"May I come in, too?" I said peep- 
ing in at the half -open door. 

"Come in, of course/' said Lucy. And 
I soon made myself busy helping to pre- 
pare 'dinner. 

I thought I would make it my business 
to arrange everything nicely on the table, 
and finding that the knives and forks 
needed scrubbing, I called one of the 
children, and showed him the process, 
which he caught on to, very readily. 

"Trticy," said I, "this morning as I 
looked through the windows into your 
garden, I saw some nice lettuce and 
onions growing. Suppose I go out and 
gather some for dinner. They would be 
so nice with the gravy of that ham; you 
are frying, served with them." 

"I will go myself, but let me first give 
you a cloth for the table." 

'While she was gone^ I swept the floor, 
and spread the clean whie cloth that she 
had brought me, and arranged the dish- 
es on the table. 

Little Johnnie now brought the knives 
and forksi, which be declared were so 
bright that he could see his face in them. 



Through Pastures Green. 51 

"Johnnie," I said, "watch me set the 
table, and tomorrow your sister will let 
you do it. If it is done well, then per- 
haps she will let you do it every day." 

"I wish you would live with us all the 
time," he said, looking up shyly into my 
face. 

I told him to run wash his face nicely 
for dinner, and comb his hair and I 
would give him a kiss. 

When Lucy brought the lettuce an'd 
onions, I helped her dress them for the 
table. The whistle then blew art the pub- 
lic works for 12 o'clock, and in a short 
time after., a tall, gawky, beardless boy 
about nineteen years of age, entered the 
kitchen of the little cottage, and asked 
if dinner was ready. Observing me a 
stranger, he looked down at his soiled 
shirt and said) asfrde to 'Lucy 1 , "fWho's 
that?" 

"That is Miss Theodora Arlington, 
Will. 'She has come over to stay and 
shiow me something about housekeeping, 
and cutting and fitting some clothes for 
me and the children. And this is Will 
Perryman, my husband, Miss Theodora." 



52 Through Pastures Green. 

I could not help noticing the gratified 
expression on the poor boy's face at this 
piece of information, and also the delight 
with which his quick eye took in the cozy 
and inviting appearance of the kitchen. 

'"Lucy," I said, when dinner was over 
and we had returned to our work, "did 
yomi notice how pleased your husband 
seemed! at the general improvement of 
things? You are a wife, and have a bet- 
ter right than I to know what would 
make your home bright and attractive to 
your husband; but it seems to me, that 
a cleanly and tidy house has a great deal 
to do with it. Keep it up <a month, and 
see if you will want then to discard the 
habit because it has no power to make 
home pleasant. 

As the evening shades began to gather, 
I collected a few unfinished garments 
which I bad promised Lucy I would 
stitch on my machine, and bidding them 
each good bye, I left amid repeated 1 in- 
vitations to come again. 

When I arrived at home, I told papa 
m'y experience of the day. I longed to 



Through Pastures Green. 53 

hear him say whether I had acted wisely 
andl well. 

He satisfied all my doubts by saying, 
M Fm glad, daughter, that you had the 
courage of your convictions and acted on 
it. It is well that you dealt plainly and 
firmly with the poor infortunate girl — 
correcting those glaring faults that are so 
detrimental to home morals, as well as 
home comforts." 

I will close for this time, dear Auntie, 
as I don't want to weary you with too 
long a letter. 

Your lo'ving niece, 

Theodoka. 



54 Through Pastures Green. 



OHAPTEE 71. 

'Browse Hill, June 18, 18— 

'Dear Auntie; Since I wrote you last 
G-od has so graciously given me a help- 
mate, or co-laborer, in the person of sweet 
Mary Sanders. But let me begin at the 
first and tell you all about it. 

The very next morning after my visit 
to Lucy, I was sitting in my room rock- 
ing and singing little 'Clair to sfep, when 
I heard a knock at the door; and in an- 
swering to my "iC'ome in," Mary San- 
ders entered, looking so pale and thirj ! 

I sprang to meet her, as I had not 
seen her since her illness. "Take this 
chair/' I said, "You seem sd weal: and 
tired." 

"Yes," she replied, "I'm not very strong 
as yet, but I'm improving every day. God 
has let me get well; but Oh! dear ? I'm 
having a lot of trouble. May I tell you 
about it, and get your help?" 

"With all my heart you shall have it. 
S-peak out at once and tell me what 
troubles you," I answered. 



Through Pastures Green. 55 

"I don't know exactly where to begin/' 
she said, "hut since my conversion last 
sunDmer, I've had a great longing and 
hungering for a more personal, and deep- 
er union with God. I notice your sweet 
sanctified life, and am convinced that 
this experience is what my soul yearns 
for. While I was so sick, I promised the 
Lord that if He would raise me up, I 
would never resist until I obtained it. 
One morning after I had made this vow, 
I was lying on my bed silently praying 
that God would make my way plain before 
me, and remove every obstacle that might 
hinder me from coming to this sweet 
haven of perfect love, when I heard 
voices in the parlor which opened into 
my room 1 . My door was half ajar, and 
I recognized the voice of Mrs. Jennings, 
who had come up from the city to spend 
the summer with a friend of mama's, 
Mrs. Williams. She was talking in a 
low undertone to miama, and I could only 
catch a word or two now and then. 
"Such fanaticism \" I heard her say, 
"'Tis perfectly unbearable. Keep com- 
pany with a daughter of mine ? No in- 



56 Through Pastures Green. 

deed)! — blind leading the blind: — Insane 
asylum will be the next thing, and yon 
will see it just as I tell you — mark my 
word." And 1 then followed a long pre- 
amble in a still lower tone, of which I 
only caught a word occasionally. I heard 
your name, and then 'railroad coach/ and 
'conductor/ and then raising her voice a 
little louder, she exclaimed, 'Indeed it is 
true, for I was an eye witness to it my- 
self, and heard every word of the con- 
versation.' 

"At last, to my great satisfaction she 
left and mama came at once to my room 
and related the whole thing about you 
talking to the man on the train, and said 
that your name was in everybody's mouth, 
and that everybody was afraid of you be- 
cause you talked so much religion, and 
said such hard things to them about their 
faults; and that you were very unpopular. 
She also said that people thought you 
would eventually lose your mind, and that 
she hoped I would not take on to any of 
your ways. 0, Theodora! how weak we 
are by nature! I see now so plainly that 
I was too cowardly to keep the vows I 



Tlvrough Pastures Green. 57 

had made God that I would not rest until 
I too, obtained that salvation which ren- 
ders the Lord's, a peculiar people. I was 
in this distress of mind when you came 
that afternoon, and mama would not let 
you pray with me. Theo, my mother is a 
good woman as far as any one can be good 
without divine grace — indeed, she has 
some rare and noble qualities; but as you 
are aware, she is unconverted, and conse- 
quently blind to spiritual things. To lead 
the life that you live would be for me to 
incur her displeasure, and I know that she 
would prove to be, as scripture terms it, 
a foe of my own household. I love my 
mother and I want to please her, and oh, 
what a cross to take a step that would not 
give her pleasure/' 

"My Dear Mary," I said, when she had 
finished speaking, "I do indeed sympa- 
thize with you, but I think that a great 
deal of your trouble is borrowed, and 
therefore unnecessary. However, don't fret 
about the consequences of doing right. 
God will surely make the rough places 
smooth, I know from my own experience. 
But you must be willing, dear, to suffer 



58 Through Pastures Green. 

all things for Christ's sake, or you cannot 
win the prize. Herein ia your consecra- 
tion. We will meet with opposition, but 
in all these things we are more than con- 
queror through Him that loves us. Oh, 
Mary, cross over Jordan and enter into 
the Beulah land. The pomegranates and 
figs are fine, and the grapes of Elsihcol, so 
sweet. Besides, the white banner of ho- 
liness is trembling in the hands of but 
few. Help us to hold it up that it may 
wave for Jesus/' 

cc l believe I would if I knew how," she 
said wearily, "f or I am tired wandering in 
the wilderness, and my soul longs for 
rest." 

"Then delay no longer, but let us kneel 
right here, and while we are on our 
knees, make a full consecration to God. 
And remember the covenant is to be an 
everlasting covenant. If you will only 
come thus, be sure He will cleanse you 
every whit." 

We knelt, and she prayed. Oh! I will 
never forget that prayer. How it moves 
my heart to think of it yet! How hum- 
ble, how lowly, how piteously beseeching 



Through Pastures Green. 59 

that God would not send her away empty. 
When it was finished she still remained ot: 
her knees. 

'"Mary," I said, "do you want me to 
pray for you?" 

"'Whenever you will/' she answered 
wearily. 

"But do you want me to pray for you 
now ?" 

"Oh ! I want to know" she said, 
'"'whether God sanctifies me now. I can- 
not go away until I do." 

"He says, what touches the altar shall 
be holy. You are all on the altar, are 
you not?" 

"Yes, but how am I to Jcnow that He 
sanctifies me now?" 

"Believe it," I answered emphatically. 

"'Believe it," she repeated, rising in- 
stantly from her knees. "Believe it? Of 
course I will, and do, with all my heart. 
How natural and right that I should, 
Bince our God cannot lie. child!" she 
continued, taking my hand and pressing 
it to her lips, "how glad I am that I ever 
knew and loved you ! You do me good — 
indeed you do. May God ever bless you 
that you may live to bless others." 



60 Through Pastures Green. 

"I am glad the Lord has used me to 
help you/ 'I said, and as she arose to go 
I added: "Don't be afraid to use your 
influence for Jesus at home, or in public ; 
and confess before the world what He has 
done for you this morning. And when 
temptations assail you, — for Satan will 
visit you as usual — yes, oftener than ever 
— just keep your eye on Jesus, for Tie 
that keepeth Israel, neither slumbers nor 
sleeps'." 

"I have no fear," she answered calmly. 
*"Let temptation come, however strong, I 
can but continue to believe. Yes, believe. 

blessed faith ! How simple it is, and yet 
how mysterious to some." 

She left, and I went straight to my 
place of prayer, and falling on my knees, 

1 thanked God for what He had done for 
us; praying that we might be co-laborers 
in His vineyard, and useful in bringing 
many souls into the experience of a liv- 
ing faith which "sweetly works by love 
and purifies the heart." auntie, if ev- 
ery 'Christian had this blessed experience, 
how happy they would be, and oh ! what a 
church we would have — so united and 



Through Pastures Green. 61 

strong! Then, indeed, it would be a 
mighty stronghold against the power of 
the evil one. As ever, 

Your loving niece, 

Theodora. 



62 Through Pastures Green. 



OHiAPTWL VII. 

Browse Hill, June 25, 18i — . 

Dear Auntie: A few days ago, I was 
sitting one evening in the back gallery 
peeling some peaches to serve with sugar 
and cream for supper, when Aunt Rachie 
came to me with an empty bucket in her 
hand. "Look here child," said she, "what 
you want me to do 'bout that Ferryman 
woman? She's been sendin' and sendin' 
here to borrow, and says no more about 
payin' back, than ef she never thought 
o' borrowin'. Now she wants some meal 
again, and I do believe I can say and not 
tell a false, that it makes a half dozen 
times that she's sent and never yet paid 
back a single dust. Now I believe in lend- 
in' — the Bible says lend, but what you 
gwine do when things go on this way? It 
'pears like to me, your pa can't stand it. 
It'll sure break any man in the world 
that works like him for his living." 

I told her that I would fix that all 
right, and to fill the bucket with meal for 



Through Pastures Green. 63 

me while I got my hat, and I would take 
it to Lucy myself. 

I had not gone many steps from the 
house, when May Bell and Van, who had 
just returned from school, came running 
after me and wanted to know if they 
might go too. I said, yes, and they came 
bounding down the hill crying: "Wait, 
we've got something to tell you." 

I waited until they came up with me, 
and I heard Van say, aside to May Bell, 
"You tell her sister, I can't." 

"What is it dear," I asked, taking her 
hand in mine as we walked along to- 
gether. 

"Well," she replied — her voice tremb- 
ling a little with agitation, "brother and 
I — you know — we've made up our minds 
to join the church next iSunday, if papa 
doesn't care, and we want you to ask him 
for us." 

"We've been having prayer meetings at 
school when recess came," said Van, in a 
timid voice, which grew bolder as he con- 
tinued, "Bob Vaughn — he did the leading, 
but we all prayed, and maybe some just- 
took it for a play meeting, but Bell and I 



64 Through Pastures Green. 

— we were in earnest, and we got relig- 
ion/' 

"Now brother," said May Bell, "I be- 
lieve they were all in earnest and I believe 
they all got religion. I think Mamie Fair 
did, "because she was so kind to her little 
sister, and Louisa too, for she kissed me 
this morning at recess — and, did you no- 
tice, Buddie, how tender-hearted Fred 
Williams was today? When Alice Fritz 
stuck that needle through the butterfly's 
wing, he told her that was cruel." 

As I listened to this sweet babble, I 
laughed with delight, and thought that 
truly out of the mouth of babes and suck- 
lings, G-od had perfected praise. I stooped 
and kissed both of their fresh young faces, 
saying that I knew father would be as 
glad as I to hear of their plans, and that 
I would take the sweet message to him 
with the greatest pleasure. 

We had now arrived at Lucy's house, 
and as I entered the front door I saw her 
sitting near a window at the far end of 
the room, bending over a book which was 
resting on her knee. She did not see me 
as I entered, and I walked softly to the 



Through Pastures Green. 65 

back of the chair, and looked over her 
shoulder. I discovered that she was read- 
ing the Bible, and a tear fell upon these 
words: "Faithful are the wounds of a 
friend but the kisses of an enemy are de- 
ceitful." 

"Lucy/' I said, laying my hand softly 
on her shoulder, "What makes you cry?" 

IShe looked up and seeing who it was 
that spoke to her, began to sob and cry 
afresh. "I've been badly treated," she 
said. "Indeed I never have been so badly 
treated in all my life. 'Sarah Green, a 
friend that I thought would stick to me 
through thick and thin, has insulted me 
shamefully — and that in her own house. I 
went there this evening to see if she would 
loan me a little meal for supper, as I was 
out, and it is so far to the commissary. 
She told me in the unkindest way she 
could, that she had nothing to lend to 
such as me and away she flirted off to the 
kitchen, leaving me standing in the door. 
I came home with a heart ready to burst, 
and thinking I could get the meal from 
you, I sent, for I remembered your past 
kindness, and what a good friend you had 



66 Through Pastures Green. 

been to me — telling me of my faults in- 
stead of insulting me as Sarah has done, 
when she professed to think the world and 
all of me too/' 

"My dear, here is the meal," I said. "I 
have brought it to you myself, and you 
are welcome to it, but did you know that 
you owed me a good deal besides this? 
Now don't misunderstand me child — 
don't think that I am angry with you 
about it, but I think it's right to tell you 
for your own future happiness and wel- 
fare with your neighbors. Now perhaps, 
you owe Sarah Green something, and that 
is why she is so angry with you." 
. "Yes she does," said Ida, who had come 
in and had listened intently to what had 
been said. "I know you owe for that but- 
ter you got from her that day we had 
the chicken stew for dinner, and you sent 
Johnnie for a mug of molasses last week, 
and a gallon of milk and I know that you 
haven't paid any of it back." 

Lucy's eyes were no longer wet now, but 
very wide open as she stared Ida full in 
the face. "That is just exactly it," she 
exclaimed — "that is just it, I know. And 



Through Pastures Green. 67 

only to think, how forgetful I am. Miss 
Theodora, will you please excuse me 
ma'am, and I will get Will to bring home 
some meal this very night and tomorrow 
I will pay you every bit I owe. I will also 
straighten up with :Sarah tomorrow with- 
out fail." 

"I would advise 3-ou Lucy," I said, "for 
your own comfort, never to borrow if j r ou 
can possibly avoid it. 'When you do, 
though, make it a rule to return what 
you've borrowed, at your very first oppor- 
tunity. Follow this plan, and it will save 
you much trouble, and also your neigh- 
bor." 

She said that she would, and I returned 
home just as Aunt Richie was arranging 
supper on the table. 

That night when we assembled in fath- 
er's room, I told him of the children's 
wishes in regard to joining the church. 
He was rejoiced at the news as I thought 
he would be, and talked long and serious- 
ly to them of the obligation of a church 
member. When the hour came for family 
worship, he read the general rules of the 
church, explaining them in a simple way, 



68 Through Pastures Green. 

that made them readily comprehend the 
meaning. When he prayed, he asked 
God's especial care to be over them — the 
lambs of the fold, and that they might 
really be the light of home, and grow up 
to be an honor to the church which they 
were about to join. Dear father! when 
I kissed him good night I saw tears of 
pure joy in his dear old eyes. 

June 26. — Today at noon when father 
came home to dinner, he said, as he hand- 
ed me a letter, the seal of which had been 
broken. Good news ! A letter from John 
and Richard. They say that school closes 
on the 30th, and they will soon be at home 
again." 

How glad I was ! and went at once to 
my room where I could read their letters 
without interruption. 

My dear, dear brother! How proud I 
am of both! Proud, did I say? Dear 
auntie, would it not be better to say 
thankful? Yes thankful in my very soul 
of them in many, many respects. Thank- 
ful that they still remember their Creator 
in the sweet springtime of their youth, 
and that the good seed which has been 



Through Pastures Green. 69 

sown in their hearts all through a life of 
pious training, has taken deep root; and 
promise to bring forth fruit to the glory 
of God. 

I will copy a short extract from John's. 
He says : "Father, I have always believed 
in God. You and dear mama have taught 
me to, as far back as I can remember; 
and faith in His word seems a part of my 
very being, and yet there is one thing that 
troubles me, and I want you and little 
sister to pray much for me along that 
line. I don't enjoy that sweet, perfect 
union with God, that you say is my privi- 
lege, and for which my soul so often 
craves." 

Eichard writes less seriously, for he 
was always a buoyant, bright fun-loving 
boy. His letter is addressed to me, and 
toward the close he says, "Well little sis- 
ter, I am truly glad that my school days 
will soon be over; and if I consulted my 
inclinations, I would sow some wild oats 
the first thing I did after being released 
from the close restriction of school life. 
But don't you be uneasy. I'll not follow 
these inclinations; but settle down to a 



70 Through Pastures Green. 

quiet farmer's life, I suppose, and get 
married some day to help the matter. 
But if I do, I'll be certain to get a wife 
exactly like dear mother, and then I 
know, no kind of business could be dull 
to me." 

Poor dear boy ! These inclinations how 
hard — nay, how impossible to fight 
against them in our own strength I am 
glad that I received these letters from 
my brother's, and found out some of the 
cares that press upon them and make 
them unhappy. I am glad because I now 
know better how to pray for them; and 
and can take their cases right to God, and 
ask Him to bring them, out more than 
conquerors over them; all. 

I remember so well when they w~ere 
but boys, how John's serious turn of 
mind made him. take the petty cares and 
annoyances of his child life, so hard and 
bitter — rendering him so unhappy. On 
the other hand, Richard's thoughtless and 
care-free disposition, would make him 
forget even those things which deserved 
his serious attention. I have heard dear 
mother say, that she believed, in time, 



Through Pastures Green. 71 

God would' overrule it to their good, and 
that these prominent features in their dis- 
positions, when sanctified, would prove 
wonderful instruments for the glory of 
God. 

(Well Auntie, I have written you a 
long letter, but; one more incident, and 
then I will close. 

This evening when the children came 
home from school, I noticed that May- 
Bell was not so cheerful as usual; and 
her eyes looked tear-stained as though 
she had been crying. I asked her was 
anything the matter, and she answered in 
broken tones : "Nothing very much ; but 
sister, how many days is it before Sun- 
day? and do you suppose a great many 
people will be there; and that anybody 
will laugh at buddie and me and call us 
crazy for joining the church?" 
"Crazy! no indeed. But very sensible 
and sweet for giving your hearts to God 
while you are so young. Who said that 
people would call you crazy ?" I enquired. 

"Nobody but Philip Jones; he laughed 
at me to-diay, when I told him about it, 
and said that I was going crazy like you; 



72 Through Pastures Green. 

and that his Uncle Will's ox-driver Lad 
named his old brown steer, sanctification. 
I told him that he ought to have named 
that pretty, bright spotted one that, and 
that yon were sanctified and was not dull 
and ugly at all; and that papa said yon 
were the light of onr home, Now sister, 
I know I ought not, but it seems like 
I just can't help backing out about join- 
ing the church Sunday, after Philip 
laughed at me as he did. 'What would 
you do, if you were me ?" 

"Why I would go right on as though 
he had said nothing at all and join. 
Don't you know that the wicked people 
used to call Jesus all sorts of ugly names? 
and Jesus tells us in His word', that if 
if we follow Him, we must expect the 
same; and that the world will not love 
us. 

Dear little nursling, "I said, foidiug 
her in my arms as I thought of her -o 
young and tender — fighting her first bat- 
tle against temptation and sin. Dear 
little one! let us kneel and ask God b 
give us the victory." 

We knelt, and when we arose, her face 



Through Pastures Green. 73 

was bright with childish triumph as she 
exclaimed : '"I've just give it all up, and 
promised God I'd not go back on my 
word, and now I felt just like I'd taken 
a cool drink of water." 

Praise Grod for victory through our 
Lord Jesus Christ. 

I am as ever, your loving niece, 

Theodora. 



74 Through Pastures Green. 



■CHAPTER VIII. 

Browse, Hill, June 28, 18— 
Dear Auntie: Yesterday was a blessed 
day to my soul, for I witnessed a sight 
that strengthened the inner man. I saw 
young and tender lambs taken into the 
bosom of the church to be nourished and 
fed upon the sincere milk of the word. 
Oh! pray that it may be given and that 
without stint. 

It was the day dear little Van and 
May J Bell were to attach themselves to 
the church, that they arose bright and 
early; and I got them ready for Sunday 
school long before I was ready myself. 
They were anxious to be off, and so I 
sent them on with father, while I re- 
mained a few moments behind to see to 
some little duties which required my at- 
tention, and to remind Aunt Eachie to 
see well to the baby, and neglect him for 
nothing. 

On my way to the church, I met with 
a little incident which hindered me some- 
what, but for which I was not sorry. I 



Through Pastures Green. 75 

had to pass Mrs. 'Williams' home on my 
way; and as I walked along by the gate, 
I saw the family sitting on the front ver- 
anda, laughing and chatting in company 
with their visitor from the city, Mrs. 
Jennings. I remembered what Mary San- 
ders had told me of her visit to their 
house, and of Mrs. Jennings opinion of 
me. But thank God! the recollection of 
it failed to depress my spirits in the least; 
for what is the world and the opinions of 
the world to me now? Yes, they are all 
under my feet, glory to God! 

As I passed along a few yards from 
the house, I noticed a little stream of 
water, running through the swampy bot- 
tom of an old sedge field. At the head of 
this stream, there grew a clump of wil- 
low trees, whose long graceful branches, 
drooped until they dipped themselves in- 
to the bosom of the little stream. It 
was here that I thought, as I passed 
along, I heard the voice of a child sob- 
bing, and crying, and muttering some- 
thing aloud. I noiselessly drew nearer; 
and peeping through the green willow 
boughs, I saw a lad of about twelve sum- 



76 Through Pastures Green. 

mers, reclining upon the mossy bank of 
the stream. He was tastily dressed in a 
suit of blue linen; and the snowy sailor 
collar fastened so neatly at his throat be- 
tokened the careful, and perhaps loving 
hands of a mother had not forgotten their 
mission. But in spite of this, there was 
an expression of sadness in the thin, suf- 
fering little face, that haunts me yet. A 
volume of poems lay upon the grass at 
his side, and while he lovingly stroked a 
dead gosling that he held in his hand, 
I saw tears fall thick and fast on the 
golden down. He was saying something 
in low tones to himself, and as I strained 
my ears to listen, I caught these words: 

"My poor little pet, I wanted you so, 
but you died like most everything else I 
love. 5 ' 

I crossed over the low fence that sep- 
arated us, and going up to where he was, 
I said: "-My dear little fellow, I heard 
you crying as I passed along, and thought 
I would stop and comfort you if I could. 
What is your name?" 

"My name is Leonard Jennnings, and I 
thank you for vour kindness, but you can 



Through Pastures Green. 77 

not help my trouble; and if you could, 
when you went away, it would come again. 
You may think me very foolish, Miss, 
to cry about a poor little dead gosling; 
but it was company to me, and loved me 
so much! I found the egg from which 
it was hatched,, in the woods, and set it 
under a hen. It had learned to know my 
voice and follow me all over the yard, 
and would eat from my hand; and now 
it is dead, and I will miss it so ! This 
is not all. I loved a horse that father 
had last spring and used to ride it to the 
pastures, and to water every day; and 
it would whicker and neigh for me when 
it got hungry, and one day father came 
home and said that he had sold her which 
nearly broke my heart. I had a noble 
dog that loved me and followed me every, 
where I went and it died?' 

Here a fresh burst; of sobs shook his 
little frame, and laying the dead gosling 
in the grave which he had dug for it in 
the sand, he covered it up, and was about 
to walk away, when I laid my hand on 
his shoulder and said: "Leonard, my 
dear little boy, come and go with me to 



78 Through Pastures Green. 

the Sunday school. There you can learn 
to love a Friendi that will never die. I 
mean Jesus, who loves little children, and 
who died for them, but rose again and 
is now in heaven praying for them. 
Will you come?" 

He hesitated a moment, while he look- 
ed long and searchingly into my face. 
"I will go," he said at last, "if you will 
be my teacher. What is your name?" 

I toldi him, but suggested that he run 
to the house and see his mother first. 
ISfee does not care where I go," he an- 
swered with a sneer, "provided I do not 
soil my clothes." 

I took his hand in mine, and as we 
walked along I said:' '"Leonard 1 , you 
should love and honor your mother; and 
if she has some ideas that are wrong, 
you should speak of them with sorrow, if 
you speak of them at all, and not with 
contempt." 

"I suppose you are right, he answered, 
'"I am sorry for the way I spoke. I 
know the Bible does say, "Honor thy 
father and mother," but — 

He stopped short and said no more; 



Through Pastures Green. 79 

and we were both silent until we reached 
the church. 

IWe fonnd that the 'Sunday school had 
just closed, and leading my little friend 
up to the secretary of the school, I asked 
him to enroll his name on his book in 
class No. 3. 

After a brief intermission, the congre- 
gation began to gather for church services. 

Leonard came in with Van and May- 
Bell, and sat down by my side. He 
seemed very attentive during the services ; 
and at the close, when the minister open- 
ed the doors of the church, and gave out 
a hymn, he held my book for me while 
I sang. 

I knew that this was a trying hour 
for Van and little May-Bell, and prayed 
silently that God would give them cour- 
age to do their duty. When we were sing, 
ing the last verse of the hymn, Van gave 
me an upward glance, and taking his sis- 
ter's hand, he walked with her bravely 
up to the altar. 

The usual questions were asked, and 
they answered them promptly and clearly; 
and when the minister laid his hands 



80 Through Pastures Green. 

upon their young heads, and gave them 
his solemn blessing, I glanced down at 
Leonard, and saw a tear fall from his 
eyes into the leaves of the open book be- 
fore him. 

When the services were ended, and the 
congregation was dismissed, I said to 
Leonard as we walked a little in advance 
of father and the children, "Leonard, 
you fell much better do you not?" 

"I suppose I do," he answered, ff but 
there is such a lump in my throat that 
almost chokes me and makes me cry." 

"Something troubles you I expect. Tell 
me what it is." ec l can not tell you. It 
is about my mother, of whom you said 
I must speak with reverence." 

I studied a moment and then replied: 
"Perhaps it is a matter that I can help 
you in; and revealing it to me for that 
reason, would be no harm." 

"Then I will tell you," he said. "When 
I saw your sister and brother join the 
church this morning, I wanted to go, too; 
but was afraid that mama would be dis- 
pleased with me, and say that I was too 
young." 



Tlwough Pastures Green. 81 

"Don't cry any more Leonard, but 
brighten up; and I promise you that I 
will go to see your mother, one day this 
week and ask her, myself, to let you join 
the church." 

We had now reached Mrs. ["Williams' 
house, and when I separated from Leon- 
ard at the gate, I was rejoiced to see his 
face wore a brighter expression. 

True to my promise, I put on my hat 
this very morning to call on Mrs. Jen- 
nings in behalf of little Leonard. 

Just as I was passing out at the gate, 
I felt a light touch on my shoulder, and 
then a hand was slipped through my arm. 
Looking quickly around, I beheld the 
smiling face of Mary Sanders. "I see 
that you have started on a mission," she 
said. "I came over to see you a few 
moments, but let me go with you, and 
that will do as well." 

"I will be glad of your company," I 
replied, explaining the nature of my visit. 

"Ah!" she said, "I fear it will be a 
fruitless effort. Mrs. Jennings is extreme- 
ly worldly." 

"'Be not fearful, but believing/ Let 



82 Through Pastures Green. 

us go in the strength of the Lord, and 
we will have victory ." 

A short walk brought us to our desti- 
nation, and as we passed up the broad 
avenue, in front of the house, I beheld 
with admiration, the beautiful building 
that loomed up before me; for it was all 
that a summer residence required for 
comfort and luxury. 

We ascended the steps, and were about 
to ring the door bell, when I heard voices 
at the far end of the broad veranda. I 
looked in that direction, and saw through 
a lattice work of vines and flowers, Mrs. 
Williams and her visitor engaged in con- 
versation. Observing us, Mrs. Williams 
came forward and making me acquainted 
with Mrs. Jennings, she invited us to he 
seated. 

I recognized at once, that my mission 
was a difficult one, as I beheld the sub- 
ject of it, seated on a low ottoman, with 
her head reclining gracefully against the 
arm of a rustic bench. She was arrayed 
in a morning robe, profusely adorned 
with lace and ribbon, and as the faint, 
sweet odor from a jar of heliotrope at 



Through Pastures Green. 83 

her side filled the atmosphere around her, 
her fair shapely fingers toyed idly with 
the lilac colored blossoms. 

Alas! poor little woman! I could see 
at a glance, that the world was her god. 

"Mrs. Jennings," I said after a few re- 
marks had been made upon different 
subjects, "perhaps you will be surprised 
when I tell you the object of my visit here 
this morning. Your little son went with 
me yesterday to iSunday school; and cm 
our return, he told me that he wanted 
very much to join the church; but was 
afraid that you might object to it on 
account of his age. I promised him that 
I would come myself to see you, and in- 
tercede for him. May I do so?" 

"I assure you (Miss Arlington," she 
replied, "that there is no need of an in- 
tercessor at all. My son is a member of 
the church already, with the exception of 
confirmation; and if he wants to be con- 
firmed, I suppose he is old enough for 
that. I agree to it heartily; and will 
take him home next Sabbath, and have 
the ceremony performed." 

T am so glad that dear Leonard will 



84 Through Pastures Green. 

have Ms desire granted; and I hope that 
he will be pleased with the church of 
your choice. I love the Episcopal Church, 
and revere it as the mother of my own. 
Her doctrines are pure and good. It is 
her membership that is largely permeated 
with worldlinessf — not she." 

Mrs. Jennings stared at me with sur- 
prise. "Explain yourself," she said. 

"You can not deny, dear Mrs. Jen- 
nings," I said, "that the membership of 
the Episcopal Church, to a large extent, 
is very worldly. Of this, you can judge, 
by the pomp and vanity displayed in 
dress, and worldly amusements. This is 
also true of other denominations at the 
present day, but to a somewhat less ex- 
tent." 

"I can not see that it is any harm for 
people to dress just as well as they are 
able to," she replied. 

"It is wrong dear madam, because the 
Bible condemns it. The Bible condemns 
it, because it is the natural fruit of a car- 
nal mind; and because the money em- 
ployed in this useless display, would build 
orphans' homes for the poor, and send 



Through Pastures Green. 85 

the gospel to the heathen/' Taking a 
small Testament from my pocket, I turn, 
ed to the 2nd chapter of 1st Timothy, 
and 9th verse, and read aloud: "In like 
manner also, that women adorn them- 
selves in modest apparel, with shame- 
f acedness and sobriety : not with broidered 
hair, or gold or pearls, or costly array; 
but, which becometh women professing 
godliness, with good works." 

"I did not know that was in the 
Bible," said Mrs. Jennings. "I have nev- 
er seen it in the 'Prayer Book.' " 

*Miss Arlington," put in Mts. Wil- 
liams, will you please tell me your views 
on sanctification ? It is a subject that is 
exciting some interest at the present, and 
I believe jovl profess it, do you not?" 

"I do, and will explain it with pleasure ; 
for it is a theme upon which I delight 
to speak. 'Sanctification is perfect love. 
Perfect love breeds perfect desires to 
render perfect obedience. However, as 
our judgment will always be imperfect we 
are liable to make mistakes, which is not 
imputed sin/' 

"Do you mean," she said, "that when 



86 Through Pastures Green. 

you have perfect love, yon are then at a 
standstill, and can not improve ?" 

6C 1 mean that we can not improve on 
the quality, but most assuredly we can od 
the quantity. In other words, perfect love 
is but the seed of grace, which when 
sown in a clean heart, naturally germi- 
nates into a healthy growth — indeed we 
can not have a healthy growth in grace, 
until we attain to it." 

Mrs. Jennings was paying very strict 
attention while I spoke, and when I had 
finished, she said, "I never understood it 
before, in the light you explain it." 

"Nor I," said Mrs. Williams. "If 
that is sanetification, it would be well if 
everybody had it." 

'"Oh! Leonard, what have you been 
doing, that you have soiled your clothes 
so badly?" exclaimed his mother, as the 
boy stood in the doorway — his clean white 
linen suit besmeared with dirt and water. 

"Nothing," he replied, "but I just 
found a bunch of flock plants that some- 
one had pulled up and thrown away. I 
fixed me a flower jar and planted them 
in it for my own, and set it in our win- 



Through Pastures Green. 87 

dow. Miss Arlington, I see that yon have 
come according to promise." As he 
spoke, he drew near my side and slipped 
his fingers into mine. 

"My son has fallen yery much in love 
with" yon, Miss Arlington/' said his 
mother. "He talks of nothing since he 
met yon, bnt your kindness in carrying 
him to Sunday school and preaching, 
where he saw the little children join 
the church; and the kind minister 
that laid his hands upon their heads 
and blessed 1 them. I am glad that 
he has found something to interest and 
divert his mind from pet dogs and dead 
goslings." 

""Leonard," I said, your mother has 
granted your wish, and says that next 
Sunday she will take you home and have 
you confirmed in the Episcopal Church." 
The boy's countenance fell in an in- 
stant, "I want to join the church that 
we went to yesterday ; where you, and the 
little boy and girl belong. Dear mama, 
please let me join Miss Arlington's 
church, for I believe she can teach me 
to be happy and good." 



88 Through Pastures Green. 

"Do Lucia," said Mrs. Williams, <f let 
the child' join wherever he wants too, and 
don't throw him into one of his gloomy 
spells again, that makes him as solemn 
as a graveyard It will not hurt him, 
and it may pacify him for awhile. Do 
let him have his way/' 

"Mrs. Williams," said Leonard man- 
fully, "my fretting days are over, I hope; 
and while I would like very much to 
join Miss Arlington's church, yet I am. 
willing to do as mother says." 

O Auntie! I could not help clasping 
his little hand more tightly as it lay in 
mine, while I said for his encourage- 
ment. "Dear Leonard, you are exactly 
right. Do as your mother wishes, and 
God will love you the more." 

As we were leaving, Mrs. Williams fol- 
lowed us to the steps, saying, "come again 
— both of you. I have enjoyed your visit 
and feel that it has done me good." 

"Theodora," said Mary as we walked 
home together, "did not our hearts burn 
within us?" Through faith you have 
gained a victory, my dear." 

"Yes," I replied, "and it was by faith, 



Through Pastures Green. 89 

you remember, that the walls of Jericho 
fell down. That reminds me — how is 
yours since I saw you last?" 

"That is just what I came to tell you 
about, when I met you on your mission. 
My faith is strengthening; and I have 
passed through an experience lately that 
has proven so helpful to me, and I want 
to tell you about it. When I left your 
house that morning, we prayed in your 
room and the Lord so sweetly sanctified 
me. I went away on wings — Oh! I can 
not express the love that burned in my 
heart. It went on thus for several days 
until temptation began to sweep upon 
me like a deluge; and gradually I began 
to have less feeling. Now let me explain 
my mistake; for I see it now. I called 
this feeling, the witness of the spirit, and 
when it would fluctuate, I would become 
alarmed, and think that I was losing the 
witness of my deliverance from all sin. 
However, I was so fixed in my determi- 
nation never to turn back, that I would 
get up in the night and pray until the 
good feeling would come back. But I 
would not be long in bed, until I would 



'90 Through Pastures Green. 

again feel a heaviness instead of a light- 
ness of heart. Satan suggested that I 
was losing the blessing; and so I would 
arise again, and pray with more earnest- 
ness than ever. The thought came to me 
to search the (Scriptures; and I did so. 
The first words that my eyes rested upon 
when I opened the 'Bible, were these: 
''Wherefore ye greatly rejoice, though 
now for a season (if need be) ye are in 
heaviness through manifold temptation, 
that the trial of your faith being much 
more precious than of gold that perisheth, 
though it be tried with fire, might be 
found unto praise, and honor, and glory, 
at the appearing of the Lord Jesus 
(Christ." 1st Peter, 6-7. 

"Ah ! then," I thought, "this is but a 
trial of my faith and something to re- 
joice over and not to mourn over. And 
feeling is not the thing to depend upon; 
for the wind bloweth where it listeth; 
but glory to iGod! my dependence is in 
Thee, and I will go on believing ever — 
feeling or no feeling. 'Oh! then I could 
sing 'Sweet Deliverance;' for my heart 
was full of sunshine again, and has been 



Through Pastures Green. 91 

ever since. Theo, I have learned more 
about faith, during the short little time 
that I have enjoyed the blessing of per- 
fect love, than in all my past experience 
of religion. 'Why! why! is the church 
so silent on the subject?" 

ff Yes," I replied, "it is truly a living 
faith that sweetly works by love and puri- 
fies the heart." But why did you not 
come to see me, when you were in so 
much trouble? I think I might have 
helped you, for I have experienced the 
same difficulties that you speak of. Mrs. 
Comer is a clear mother in Israel, to 
teach young babes in Christ. She has 
helped me over some rough places, and 
I shall always love her for it." 

"I did not come for the simple reason, 
that poor mama took it into her head, 
that I was sure to lose my mind if I did 
not keep away from your influence, and 
said that my visits to you must cease at 
once. That very night Brother Jefferies 
came home from a prospecting trip to 
t northwest Georgia, and surprised us all 
with the news, that since he had left 
home, Ood had wonderfully saved him 



92 Through Pastures Green. 

at a holiness meeting while out there. 
'I went away from home/ said he, 'to 
seek a place to locate and settle for life; 
but instead, I found a place to locate my 
soul; and that safe and everlasting abid- 
ing place is Christ. Mother ! he continu- 
ed, 'please let us erect a family altar in 
our home; and every night and morning 
let us meet around it, and pray for and 
with each other. It would be such a bless- 
ing to us, don't you think?" 

Mother was deeply moved, and replied, 
with the tears streaming from her eyes, 
'Go on son, and may God pity and for- 
give my proud heart that must now be 
humbled, and made willing to learn of my 
children the lessons which I ought to 
have taught them years ago.' This 
morning she came to me and said, that 
she supposed that she was wrong in for- 
bidding me to visit you; and that if I 
chose, I might go to see you as usual.' " 

"Mary," I said triumphantly, "you 
make me feel like singing Aunt Eachie's 
song — * *Shout on — Pray on, we are gain- 
ing ground.' " 

^God bless Aunt Eachie," said Mary, 



Through Pastures Green. 93 

laughing till the tears ran down her 
cheeks. -We walked on in silence for 
awhile, then Mary broke the stillness. 
The joy and gladness had faded from 
her face, and her tones were very sad as 
she said, "Poor little Leonard!" 

"Why?" I enquired. 

"0 well," she answered, I was thinking 
of the spiritually cold atmosphere with 
which he'll be surrounded when he joins 
the Episcopal Church. Darling, I don't 
want to say anything wrong, but you 
know that the ballroom, theater, card 
clubs and most all kinds of worldly 
amusements are allowed and indulged in 
by Episcopalians." 

"Yes," that is true," I replied, "but do 
you know that the same leaven of 
worldliness is permeating all of the 
Christian denominations? It is fearful 
to think of it. We have a good pastor 1 
here now; and he feels the responsibility 
and burden of the church, and feels it 
kneely. I can see that he does . I 
would to God that all pastors feel it as 
sensibly, but they do not. The leaven 
of sin has reached the pulpit as well as 



94 Through Pastures Green. 

the pew. I tremble to think of it and 
what the outcome will be. God knows 
and let us leave it with Him." 

"I will— I do/' she cried, "But these 
burning words come down to us through 
the ages: ^Remember, therefore, from 
whence thou art fallen, and repent, and 
do the first works; or else I will come 
unto thee, and will remove thy candlestick 
out of its place, except thou repent.' " 

"Amen. Let God have His way," I 
said, "But Oh! the comfort in these 
words: "Thou hast a few names even in 
'Sardis which have not denied their gar- 
ments; and they shall walk with Me in 
white : for they are worthy.' But we must 
separate here as this little path leads 
right up to our gate, and I've been gone 
so long. Good bye my darling, and pray 
for me." 

I hope I have not tired you dear Auntie 
with so long a letter. 

Your loving, 

Theodora. 



Through Pastures Green. 95 

hi 

CHAPTER IX. 

i 

Browse Hill, July 5, 18— 
Mrs. Lucy Grey. 

'My dear Aunt: They are all here at 
last. I mean John audi Richard, and a 
(Mr. George Holland, a school chum of 
theirs, whom they have invited home with 
them to spend the summer holidays. I 
do not like his looks at all. His air is 
too swaggering and careless. Richard &ays 
that he expects to have a "swell time" 
with him and expects to take him every 
where. Poor, dear boy ! I fear that those 
inclinations to sow wild oats, will get the 
best of him yet. He drew me aside this 
morning, and said in an undertone, 
"Little sister, do talk about som thing else 
besides Sunday school and prayer-meet- 
ing; and wear a more lively expression. 
George is a fellow that likes spirit in a 
girl, and I've been counting on you to 
help make his stay here as pleasant to 
him as possible. You know brother will 
not do anything but pore over books in 
the library/' 



96 Through Pastures Green, 

"listen to me Richard," I replied, 
laying my hand on his arm, '"if this 
young 'fellow' as yon call him, is so easily 
bored with subjects that dear mama has 
taught us to love, then I think he is no 
suitable companion for you. Dear Eichie, 
take heed in time and beware of him." 

"Oh ! I see already that it will not do to 
depend upon you; and worse still — you'll 
be making him mad with some of your 
plain speeches, I'll bet." 

IWith this, he turned on his heels and 
left me. I heard him blow his hunting 
horn in a short time, and knew that he 
and his companion were probably gone 
for the day. 

At noon they had not returned. Three 
o'clock came, and in a short while I heard 
their voices at the gate, and then their 
step in the hall. 

"I'm a9 hungry as a wolf," said Rich- 
ard. "Have you anything cold to eat, 
sister?" 

''As soon as I can fix it on the table," 
I answered ; for I had put away a dainty 
little dinner for them with my own hands 
and as I arranged it upon the table I 



Through Pastures Green. 97 

thought thus: "I will do it as nicely 
as I can, and with a willing and cheer- 
ful heart; for I wish to show Richard, 
that although he spoke unkindly to me 
before he left, I forgive him freely and 
love him in the same old way. He ling- 
ered at the table after his guest had eat- 
en and left the dining room. He seemed 
restless as though something was weigh- 
ing on his mind. "Little sister," he said 
at last, "it was kind of you saving us 
some dinner, and serving it up so nicely; 
when, as for my part, I don't deserve a 
swallow for the way I treated you this 
morning. I do hope that you will for- 
get all about it, for I am heartily ashamed 
of myself." 

"Of course I do, you dear old boy, and 
am so glad to know that you do not wish 
to remain angry with me. Oh ! I shudder 
to think of sharp words, and unkind 
feelings, coming between and 1 estranging 
us from each other. Please don't go out 
this eveniug, but get your friend and come 
to the library with the family; and let 
us have a quiet and pleasant evening at 
home." 



98 Through Pastures Green. 

"I will if that will" gratify you and 
make up for my past rudeness, yon sober 
little puss." 

"Poring over books as usual/' said be 
to John, as be entered! the library with 
his friend that evening after tea. "What 
author is it this time, that rivals Holland 
and myself — depriving us of your com- 
pany and causing us to fish and hunt 
alone? Is it Shelly, Tennyson or Long- 
fellow? But I would rather think, from 
the twinkle in your eye, that Charles 
Dickens bad been tickling your risibles." 

"""Washington Irving is your rival this 
time, if you please to put it that way; 
but it was not he, or any other, that was 
amusing me when you entered, for my 
mind was not on my book. The book, it 
is true called up pleasant recollections 
from the past, and these recollections 
made me forget my subject. I was think- 
ing of our childhood, Richard, when you 
and I wore knee pants, and went to the 
village school — splashing through every 
nrudhole on the way, like wild colts and 
one particular occasion of these happy 
bygone days, brought the twinkle to my 



Through Pastures Green. 99 

eyes that you spoke of — if indeed it was 
a twinkle. It seems to me that it ought 
to have been a tear; for my mind was 
absolved with a sweet and sacred mem- 
ory, and yet it was a memory that would 
make one laugh as well as cry." 

We were all eager to hear the story, 
and he began by saying: "iSister, do 
you remember a little blue gingham apron 
that mother made for you when you were 
very small? and bow funny you looked 
in it because it was too little for you? 
M any rate you had just such an one; 
and was the proudest little girl I ever 
saw in a new apron. 

"Rich and I were ashamed for you to 
wear it to school; because it looked so 
funny and awkward, and insisted that 
mother should make you take 'it off. 
Mother smiled and tried to persuade you 
not to wear it, promising that she would 
make you another that would fit you 
better. But no ! There you stood in 
the doorway, school bucket in hand, Teady 
to start ! looking, as I thought, so ridicu- 
lous that I was almost ready to cry. 

"Let's hold her and take it off" suggest- 



100 Through Pastures Green. 

ed Kichard when we had started, and was 
about a hundred yards from the house. 
"Good." I answered. "But you were too 
fast for us. Down the road you flew at 
the top of your speed! Screaming and 
calling to mother for help. It is need- 
less to say that we got a genteel thrash- 
ing that night. But the best of the 
whole thing was that after mother had 
whipped us, you burst into tears your- 
self, saying that mother had whipped us 
too hard. I never felt so mean in all my 
life. To think! that I had imposed on 
one that loved me and was my friend. 
Since then, I have had a tenderer love 
for my little sister." 

John was sitting by me and as he fin- 
ished speaking, he drew the garment from 
my 'fingers that I was finishing for little 
Clair, and asked me to give them some 
misic. I was glad to do so and went to 
the piano. "What will you have?" I said, 
playing a prelude. 

^Perhaps Mr. Holland has a choice," 
he answered. 

"Thanks," he said, "I would like to 
hear — Miss Arlington render that delight- 



Through Pastures Green. 101 

ful and entrancing waltz, The Beautiful 
Blue Danube." 

"Now Mr. Holland/' I objected smiling 
kindly, "please excuse me. I don't play- 
waltzes you know. Might make you want 
to dance. See?" 

He seemed a little puzzled and so I 
explained] : "(When I was a little girl, I 
professed religion and wanted to join the 
church. Dear mama, in her thorough- 
going way, got down the old church dis- 
cipline, and read the general rules to me — 
explaining them in a simple way. One 
of them was not to sing those songs or 
read those books which do not tend to the 
love and knowledge of God. So that is 
why I do not play worldly music. I am 
trying to be true to my vows." 

OPoor Kichard bit his lips and frowned ; 
but seeming to recollect himself, he 
smothered his chagrin and said, "'Greorge, 
my sister is a primitive Methodist. All 
that is lacking is the straight gown and 
poke bonnet. But I know what she will 
play, and if s a favorite with us all." 

Turning a few leaves he found the 
hymn which I played — John and he as- 



102 Tlirovgli Pastures Green. 

sisting in the singing with their fne 
strong voices. 

"There's a dear and precious book, 
Though it's worn and faded now, 

That recalls the happy days of long ago; 
When I stood at mother's knee 

With her hand upon my brow, 
And heard her gentle voice in tones 
so low. 

Chorus, 
blessed book — precious book, 

On thy dear old tear-stained leaves I 
love to look, 
Thou art sweeter day by day, 

As I walk the narrow way 
That leads at last to that bright home 
above. 

"There she read of Jesus' love, 

How He blessed the children dear — 
How He suffered, bled and died upon the 
tree. 
Of His heavy load of care, 
While she dried my flowing tear, 

With her kisses as she said! it was for 
me. 



Through Pastures Green. 103 

"Well those days are passed and gone, 

[But their memory lingers still, 
And the dear old book each day has been 
my guide. 
And I seek to do His will 
As my mother taught me then 

And forever in my heart His words 
abide." 

As I finished, I looked up and saw that 
Richard was in tears. No one noticed 
it, I think, but myself, and I sang the 
familiar lines of, "Ye must be born 
again," with a prayer in my heart for 
him. 

"Let us now have my favorite," said 
father just as the last notes of the song 
had ceased. ""Let's see," glancing at the 
clock, "it's ithe hour for family prayer, 
and we will use it for the evening hymn. 
Richard, take your seat at the table and 
conduct the services son." 

"Excuse me father. I can not do as 
you wish — indeed I can not." 

I had never known' him to make this 
refusal before — indeed ever since he was 
a boy, father had called on him and 



104 Through Pastures Green. 

John at intervals to take his place at the 
family altar and they had complied 
without the least hesitation. 

Now when Eichard refused for the first 
time in his life, father gave him, a look 
of surprise, which gradually changed to 
one of sadness. Turning to John, he mo- 
tioned to him to take his seat at the table. 
He complied at once; and when he had 
read a portion of scripture he read the 
hymn that father had selected. As the 
solemn tones of the sweet old song rolled 
through the room, comfort came with 
them especially these lines: 

"Fear not, I am with thee 

Oh ! be not dismayed. 
I, I am thy G-od and will still give thee 
aid, 
I'll comfort thee, help ithee and cause 
thee to stand 
Upheld by my righteous omnipotent 
hand/' 

John's prayer, too, I will never forget. 
Oh, how he prayed for the sinner tossed 
to and fro by the waves of temptation and 



Through Pastures Green. 105 

sin. How lie prayed for the guardian 
arm of the Father to draw them away 
from the surrounding dangers which 
threatened their eternal ruin. Then he 
prayed earnestly for 'God's work at large ; 
and then for our own home, and lastly 
for himself, that he might be a more ear- 
nest and zealous Christian to serve his 
mission in the world. 

When we parted for the night, I felt 
that we had had a profitable evening. 

'Good-bye auntie for this time. 

Lovingly, Theodora. 



106 Through Pastures Green! 



CHAPTER X. 

Browse Hill, July 25, 18» — . 
Dear Auntie: Today has been one of 
trials, but as I began it on my knees I 
have had 1 the advantage of my adversary. 
As soon as I awoke this morning the war- 
fare started. It being 'Saturday, and the 
only day that the children can call their 
own, they wanted recreation of course, 
and asked might they go fishing. I knew 
that this would put me out a little about 
my Sunday preparation, to get them 
ready and off; but for their pleasure I 
thought I would make an extra effort, 
and consented, provided John and Rich- 
ard would go too and take charge of them, 
(Mr. Holland, their friend, having run 
up to the city for the day). They con- 
sented; and in the midst of a confused 
helter-skelter for hooks and lines, I es- 
caped to the kitchen to prepare them a 
lunch. •Recollecting all at once, that I 
had not put up any yeast for lightbread, 
and fearing that it might be too late to 
rise if I put it off any longer, I dropped 



Through Pastures Green. 107 

everything else to attend to it. When I 
had! completed that task, and placed the 
yeast in the sun to rise, I was about to 
return to the children's lunch, when Yan 
entered the kitchen with an oyster box of 
bait in one hand, and' his fishing hook 
and line dragging behind him. "Sister, 
there is a woman at the gate/' said he, 
"and she wants to know if you will buy 
any apples." I was about to say, '"No," 
for it seemed that I had no time to see 
her, but second thought suggested that 
they would be needed in making pies for 
Sunday. As I passed! out of the kitchen 
to attend ito it, my dress caught 
in Van's hook, and it was full five min- 
utes before I could get away. Amidst 
these, and many other difficulties, I at 
last dispatched my merry little crowd; 
and was thinking that I could now go 
on with my Sunday cooking without in- 
terruption, when came a knock at the 
door, and in answer to my "come in," 
Lucy Perryman's little sister Ida entered. 
Glancing at the Sunday school quarterly 
in her hand, I remembered having prom- 
ised to assist her in learning the lesson. 



108 Through Pastures Green. 

Satan suggested) that no one had so much 
to bear as I, when immediately the en- 
couraging words of a dear old hymn, 
came fresh to my mind. 

"Soul, then know thy full salvation, 
Eise o'er sin, and fear, and care. 

Joy to find in every station, 
Something still to do or bear." 

"My gracious Lord, I will/' my soul 
responded. "Indeed I do — I do." I bade 
Satan get behind me, and inwardly 
thanked God that I had these little cross- 
es to bear for Him. "I'll be ready in a 
few minutes Ida, dear," I said. "Only 
wait like a good girl in 1 the front room 
until I finish these pies." 

In a short time I had everything in the 
kitchen, in a condition for Aunt Rachie 
to finish and then I was ready to help Ida 
with her lesson. 

Dear auntie, do you ever have days like 
these? For my part I rather enjoy them. 
I find that they strengthen my patience, 
and teach me sweet lesson of endurance. 
I remember too, having heard Brother 
Nathan, our pastor, say a few Sundays 



Through Pastures Green. 109 

ago in his sermon, that there was some- 
thing sublime in a great sorrow, which 
rendered it easier to bear, but that it was 
the petty annoyances of onr everyday life, 
that make up our sorest trials; and there- 
fore when endured for 'Christ's sake, serx- 
ed as our greatest helps in developing 
the Christian graces. 

(But these cloudy days are not entirely 
without sunshine; for every now and 
then I get glimpses of Jesus. Today when 
I left the heated kitchen, and took my 
seat with Ida in the cool sitting room, I 
felt that it was a sweet and refreshing 
privilege that my kind heavenly Father 
had prepared for me after the trials of 
the morning, to study the Sunday school 
lesson with her, and indeed it was a 
profitable one, and we both enjoyed it to- 
gether. 

After dinner when I had sung the baby 
to sleep, I laid down beside him on his 
little bed, and enjoyed a quiet nap. He 
woke up first, and when I opened my eyes 
he was rolling from one side to another, 
playing with his toes. He looked so sweet 
and cunning, that I felt I must have a 



110 Through Pastures Green. 

romp with him. He enjoyed it exceed- 
ingly; and when it was at its height the 
children arrived from their fishing expe- 
dition, and rushing into the room where 
I was, both held up a string of fish ex- 
claiming: "Look what we have caught. 
Do, sister, have them for supper." 

About that time John and Richie came 
in and said that they would dress the 
fish for me, for which I thanked them 
heartily. 

After making Van and May Bell bathe 
and put on their clean clothes, I sent them 
to the library to study their Sunday 
school lesson. Then Aunt Eachie came 
in and wanted to know if she might have 
an early supper, as she wished to go to 
preaching. I said, yes, of course, and 
when supper was over, I attended to the 
cleaning off of the table and kitchen 
things that she might not be delayed. 
When I had finished, and joined the fam- 
ily in the sitting room, we were all tired, 
and after early prayers we retired to our 
rooms for the night, and so closed the 



Through Pastures Green. Ill 

"He leadeth me, blessed thought ! 

words with heavenly comfort fraught, 

What e'er I do, where'er I be, 

Still 'tis nod's hand that leadeth me." 

July 28. — I must tell you before I close 
this letter, of a little occurrence of yester- 
day concerning the genuineness of Van's 
conversion. I had bought some, fine 
peaches in the morning and after giving 
the children as many as I thought they 
ought to eat at once, I put the rest away. 
In the evening when they came home 
from school, Van asked me might he go 
into the closet and get him one. I said, 
"Yes, -and get May Bell one too." That 
night at supper, I noticed that he ate 
but little and was not as cheerful as usual, 
and I asked him if he was sick. He ans- 
wered, "Yes'm" in a choked voice, and be- 
gan to cry. When supper was over I car- 
ried him to his room to put him to bed, 
asking him what hurt him. He evaded 
my question, and undressing quickly, 
jumped into bed. . 

tfc What? Eetire without saying your 
prayers! That will not do," said I. He 



112 Through Pastures Green. 

arose and- fell on his knees beside the bed, 
but was silent. "Why don't yon go on 
with your prayers buddie?" I asked. 

At this he burst into tears afresh, and 
said in broken sentences: "I can't pray. 
I've tried, and God won'it help me a bit. 
Oh! oh! He's angry with me. Oh! — I 
know He is, and I know what it's about. 
Oh! oh! oh! I've done something wrong 
and lost my religion. Oh ! o-h !" 

'"My poor, dear, little fellow!" I said, 
"What is it that you have done? Tell 
sister that she may pray for you." 

"Oh! it's so awful bad," he sobbed. 
"I've stolen — that is what it is — and 
God is angry with me. This evening 
when you gave me the closet key, and 
told me to get only one peach for me, 
and one for 'Bell, I got two for myself 
instead of one, and hid them' in my 
pocket — and now I can't pray, for God 
is angry with me because I have stolen, 
and I've lost my religion. Oh! sis- 
ter I am so sorry — I never will do it 
again — indeed I never — never will." 

I clasped him to my heart and kissed 
his tear-stained little face, while tears 



Through Pastures Green. 113 

rainedi from my own eyes. '^My dear 
little brother," I said, <r how glad I am 
that it wounds yon conscience to sin. 
It was veiy wrong I know, to take the 
peach, but God sees that you are heartily 
sorry, and He will forgive you I know." 

"Oh yes!" he said, his face brighten- 
ing up. "I'd forget all about that — 
but how long first you reckon?" 

"Why He forgives you now, because 
you've repented but I think you ought 
to get down on your knees, and acknow- 
ledge it all to Him' — promising never to 
do so again." 

So he dropped on his knees beside his 
little bed, and in his own original way 
said : 

^0 Lord, you know all about that 
peach I stole to-day, for you saw me, 
and got angry with me about it. But 
now I am ever so sorry, and you know 
that too, and have forgiven me; but I 
thought I ought to tell you all about 
it for respect sake and promise never, 
never, never to do so again. Amen." 

O auntie! that the wise and prudent 



114 Through Pastures Green. 

were as quick to believe G-odi and taKe 
Hint at His word I 

(With other duties pressing upon me, 
I close for this time. As ever, 

Theodora Arlington. 



Through Pastures Green. 115 



CHAPTER XL 

Browse Hill, Aug. 11, 18— 
Dear Auntie: Our church is having 
a revival of wonderful power. Our be- 
loved pastor, Brother Nathan, is assisted 
in the meeting by ,a holiness evangelist, 
who is, without doubt, endued with 
power from on high. I have never seen 
the church at this place so wide-awake, 
and up-and-doing. It is just wonderful 
what a stir there is. Brother Nathan 
says that he has been an earnest issee'ker 
of sanctincation for ten years 1 , but has 
never, until at this meeting, understood 
it in its true light. Dear precious man 
of God. How sweet to see him humble 
himself as a little child seeking it at 
the altar just as others. He 'obtained it 
in the early part of the meeting and now 
urges it upon the church most zealous- 
ly. Verily his sermons glow with holy 
fire. 

Mr. William's and his whole family 
are deeply interested; 'and also Mrs, Jen- 
nings, I know that you will rejoice to 



116 Through Pastures Green. 

learn, that Mrs. Sanders professed reli- 
gion at the altar night before last. I 
heard her say in the experience meeting 
this morning, that although she had been 
a member of the church for years, she 
was only now beginning to feel as 
Christians say they do. 

'George Holland, Richie's school chum, 
has left for his home in Kentucky. The 
town was getting too hot for him. As 
he would not let the meeting be a bene- 
fit to him, I ami glad that he left, on 
account of his influence over Richard; 
although Richard will not attend the 
meeting even now that he is gone, but 
keeps to himself and seems moody and 
morose. This morning when I came 
home from church, and found him shut 
up in his room] — all alone — I begged 
him to attend the meeting with us and 
'try to do better. "0 Buddie," I pleaded, 
"what would dear mama say if she could 
see you now. What has changed you 
so?. You seem to have forgotten the 
precepts and examples of Christian par- 
ents. 'Com© back to Jesus, dear, He 
loves you so." 



Through Pastures Green. 117 

Hig brow darkened; and pushing my 
hand from off his arm, he said, more 
sternly than he had ever spoken to me 
before, '^Sister, let me tell you now, once 
for all, never say religion to me again 
as long as you live, for I am heartily 
sick of the subject." 

"Pardon ine this time, and Fll not 
trouble you again," said I, leaving the 
room, and inwardly resolving to be as 
good as my word. "However," I thought, 
"he can not hinder me from praying for 
him." 

In the afternoon, I took my sewing 
and went to the library. As I seated my- 
self by a window that opened on the ver- 
anda, I saw father and John engaged in 
conversation. fC What business do you ex- 
pect to follow, son?" I heard father say. 
"Or have you given the subject any 
thought as yet?" 

"I have given a great deal of 
thought," John replied, "but have not 
decided yet what I shall do. I have for 
the present, however, engaged to work for 
the firm of Brooks and Brothers in C., 
and should have mentioned it to you be- 



118 Through Pastures Green. 

fore. I will leave on the 25th, as I have 
promised to be on hand! the first of next 
month, and must stop over for a few days 
in H." 

"Bo yon have any idea/' continued fa- 
ther, what Eichard expects doing?" 

'"I heard him say last week, that he 
wanted to buy the place that Harry Hol- 
comb nsed to own, and farm next year. 
I believe farming suits him well enough." 

'Dear father! he is anxious about the 
boys I know. Eichard, of course, is a 
source of trouble to him, on account of 
his waywardness; and John is, I believe, 
resisting an inward monitor that says, 
"Gro teach all nations." I have reasons 
to believe this, although he has never di- 
rectly confided to me his feelings on the 
subject. For this cause, perhaps, the 
meeting has been of no more benefit to 
him; although he attends, and seems re- 
joiced to see the good work going on. 

August the 15th: dear Auntie, I 
have such good news to tell you. Eichie 
was joyfully converted last night about 
midnight; and woke us all up with shouts 
of praise, and exclamations of victory. All 



Through Pastures Green. 119 

the evening, he said, he had been burden, 
ed with a load of sin and guilt, and had 
not slept; but remaind in his room strug- 
gling in prayer for deliverance. Praise 
the Lord! about 12 o'clock it came, and 
his joy was so full, that his soul could 
not contain it. His experience was a 
wonderful one; and I will tell it to you 
just as near as I can, in his own language 
as he told it to us this morning after 
family prayers, when we were all gather- 
ed in the sitting room together. 

"About three weeks ago," he said, "as 
I was riding over to the Holcomb farm, 
a heavy thunder storm 1 came up just as 
I neared the house ; and as I have always 
from boyhood been afraid of wind and 
lightning, I put my horse in the stable, 
and hurried into the house as quickly as I 
could — only to find, of course, every door 
under lock and bolt, as the house has been 
vacant for some time. I stood on the 
veranda for shelter however, and as each 
tempestuous wave of wind and storm beat 
against the old house 1 — almost lifting it 
from its foundation, my heart would beat 
with dread and apprehension. I thought 



120 Through Pastures Green. 

of my wicked life, audi what little excuse 
I could give for it, as I bad been reared 
bo religiously. I suppose this thought 
rendered the storm' more frightful to me, 
which was growing more and more furious 
every minute. 'I believe if I could find 
a place to hide, I would say my prayers/ 
I thought. But that moment, a bright 
flash of lightning, followed instantly by 
a loud clap of thunder, brought me at 
once to my knees. '0 Lord!' I cried, 'if 
you will only let the storm abate, I will 
never rest until I'm a converted man.' 0, 
wonderous miracle of love! I had not 
been off my knees five minutes, before I 
could see a change in the weather; and 
in an hour's time, the sun was actually 
shining. 

U I attended to the business I went to 
see about, and saddling and mounting my 
horse, I started home. As I rode along 
and reflected on all that had occurred I 
began to say to myself. 'How strange 
that the storm abated when I prayed! 
But pshaw ! it was going to clear off any- 
way. What a fool I was to get fright- 
ened as I did! I wonder if anybody saw 



Through Pastures Green. 121 

me praying/ Thus I reasoned right in 
the face of '(rod's mercy. 

" About two weeks afteT that, I had 
business at the farm again. I noticed 
when I started from home, that some 
threatening clouds were visible in the 
sky, and by the time I reached the Hol- 
comb place the heaviest storm I ever was 
in, was raging so furiously that it seem- 
ed I would almost be blown from my 
horse. I again sought the veranda for 
shelter; and while I remembered the 
scorn with which I had treated my mira- 
culous escape two weeks before, and the 
vow I had made on that occasion and 
had not kept, I felt that GooYs wrath 
was justly kindled against me, and each 
flash of lightning was a visible manifes- 
tation of it. I once again, and this time, 
more earnestly than ever, promised the 
Lord that if He would spare me, I would 
never stop seeking until I was saved. 
Miraculously as before, the storm abated; 
and I went home, convinced that there 
was a God, and one who heard and an- 
swered prayer. 

" After that I was true to my promise — 



122 Through Pastures Green. 

indeed I was afraid not to be — and went 
to work in the best way I knew how, to 
get salvation. I thought that I would 
get it myself, and say nothing to any- 
one else about it. I tried this plan un- 
til I grew weary and heavy laden; and at 
last got to the point where I would like 
for some one to talk with me, if they 
would raise the subject themselves. I had 
snubbed little sister until she had be- 
come mute with me on the subject; and 
one evening as the church bells were ring- 
ing for services, I sat by her on the steps 
of the veranda, and hoped in vain that 
she would ask me to go with her. I con- 
tinued in this distressing condition of 
mind, until yesterday evening, when T 
could stand it no longer and asked John 
to please let us go into our room and 
pray. There I remained until midnight 
on my knees. When I had let go the last 
thing that bound my affections to earth, 
I felt my soul rise, as it were, on wings; 
while I gave God the praise and cried 
'Strong Deliverer P " 

When Kichard had finished speaking 
father said, ^Son, you speak of the foes 



Through Pastures Green. 123 

you had to conquer before you could ob- 
tain pardon. Which was the strongest?" 

"My own self will/' replied Richie, 
"which prompted me (to have my own way 
about my future avocation. This was the 
hardest thing I had to give up. I felt 
fchat in becoming a follower of Christ, T 
must preach the gospel. No doubt the 
annoucement will surprise you all; but I 
have promised the Lord, that I would 
follow where He led ; and the ministry of 
the word, is the channel through which 
I must henceforth serve him." 

Astonishment was written on every face 
in our little group, for who had dream- 
ed that our wild, fun-loving Richie would 
ever be a preacher? Nevertheless, while 
there was astonishment on every face, it 
soon melted into pure joy and delight, 
for we were glad to give him for so no- 
ble a cause. 

I said every face wore an expression of 
joy and delight at the announcement of 
this glad news; but I will take that back. 
Poor John's was shrouded in gloom. For 
had not Richard's experience convicted 
him afresh, that he also should submit 



124 Through Pastures Green. 

to the same divine calling? He was 
very restless, and' in a little while he arose 
and left the room. 

As for myself, my heart was so full of 
gratitude and praise, that I came up here 
to my room, to pour it out at the feet 
of Jesus. But my heart was not so full 
of joy for Kichard, as to feel no sorrow 
for John; for I well understood the great 
conflict in his bosom. 

As ever, your own, 

Theodora. 



Through Pastures Green. 125 



•CHAPTER XII. 

Browse Hill, August 19, 18 — 
'My dear Aunt: Our meeting has clos- 
ed with wonderful success. As long as 
it continued after Richard's conversion, 
he spared no effort to promote its in- 
terest >by exhortation, prayer, and private 
talk. Oh! how it rejoices my heart to 
see the change which God hath wrought 
in him 

Dear John has gone to take his posi- 
tion in the house of Brooks and Brothers 
in 0. Poor boy! He grew more and 
more restless every day he stayed after 
Richard's profession of a call to the min- 
istry 1 — indeed he seemed in so much haste 
towards the last, that he declared he 
would be compelled to go a day earlier 
than he had at first thought. He has 
gone; but I trust that God will surely 
bring him, as he did Jonah, to his 
Nineveh at last. 

Yesterday was Richard's birthday, 
which I celebrated by giving a dinner, 
and inviting a few guests. I took especial 



126 Through Pastures Green. 

pleasure and delight in trying, to make 
it an occasion of joy to every member of 
the household. 

I think dear old Aunt Richie did also, 
for she assisted all she could in preparing 
the table, and even in decorating the 
house with flowers and evergreens, she 
insisted on doing a part in her clumsy 
way. "Please, honey, let old Rachie do 
one little job all by herself," she said as 
the tears stood in her dim old eyes. Just 
let me hang these ivy wreathes around 
your ma's and John's pictures. Its a 
sign, you know, that though they are 
gone, they are not forgotten." 

I assented by a nod of the head, for 
my heart was too full for utterance. 
Dear old friend! You shall not be for- 
gotten when you are gone; and if I am 
living then, I will place with my own 
hands, flowers on your grave. 

I think that our efforts to make the 
day one of pleasure to all, were not fruit- 
less. For even the children, who occupied 
one end of the dining room where a 
table was set especially for them, seemed 
to be enjoying themselves, and played the 



Through Pastures Green. 127 

host and! hostess admirably, as they wait- 
ed upon their little guests whom I had 
invited for their pleasure. 

'Later in the day when most of the 
guests had gone, and while father and 
Mrs. Comer were having a lengthy 'dis^ 
cussion on church and Sunday school 
matters in the parlor, I joined Eichard 
on the front gallery, where he and Mary 
Sanders were watching the children play- 
ing on the lawn. "What hook is that 
you have, MaTy?" I said seating myself 
beside her on the rustic bench? 

"It is Wesley on 'Christian perfection/' 
she replied. "Fve been trying . to con- 
vince your brother that conversion is not 
sanctification, nor sanctification, conver- 
sion; but that each are separate and dis- 
tinct works, wrought in the heart by 
grace through faith." 

"The greatest drawback to me in indors- 
ing the doctrine of sanctification^ as 
taught by you holiness people is, that 
you say consecration comes after conver- 
sion, and is the first condition of sancti- 
fication. Now according to my exper- 
ience, consecration comes before conver- 



128 Through Pastures Green. 

sion, and on it conversion depends. I 
know that I failed to obtain pardon, un- 
til I made a consecration of all my hope3 
and future prospects to God." 

"You have reference, I suppose, to 
your consent to become a minister of the 
Gospel," replied Mary. 

"But there is quite a difference in con- 
senting to be a minister, and in conse- 
crating yourself to the work of a min- 
ister or any other work he may have you 
to do." 

"If there is anything required of a 
minister of the Gospel, that I am not 
willing right now to do, I am sure I do 
not know what it is," replied Richard 
confidently. 

"Let him alone, Mary," I said. "He 
can not see it now; but God will show H 
to him after awhile. I feel sure that He 
will." 

Then I was reminded of my own ex- 
perience, and of the great sacrifice I was 
called upon to make a few short months 
before; and all at once, the remembrance 
of an absent one, that had parted from 
me so ruthlessly, came fresh to my mind; 



Through Pastures Green. 129 

and a great longing to see him once again 
came over me. What had become of 
him? And was he still unhappy and 
rebelling against his fate? were the 
questions that arose in my mind and 
would not be hushed. I was about to 
retreat to the privacy of my room, to 
hide the tears which I felt welling up to 
my eyes, when Bichard drew a sealed 
envelope from his pocket, and handing 
it to me, said, "Here is a letter which 
I have carried in my pocket for three 
days. Please pardon me; for I actually 
forgot to deliver it sooner." 

I glanced at the address, and recog- 
nized at once, the familiar handwriting 
of Harry Holcomb. Overcome with joy 
I hurried to my room to read its con- 
tents. Toward the close it ran as follows : 
'When I parted from you about five 
months ago, I thought that my disap- 
pointment was greater than I could bear; 
and sought to forget it amid new scenes 
and new people. This effort, I soon dis- 
covered, was useles; and one Sabbath 
afternoon, while wandering through the 
cemetery of a suburban village, I was all 



130 Through Pastures Green. 

at once reminded: of the little Testa- 
ment you gave me when I saw yon last. 
Taking it from my inside vest pocket, I 
began to read. Its precious pages brought 
relief and comfort to my soul, that 
travel and wandering had failed to do. 
From that day, I was led to seek a life 
of usefulness, and was not satisfied un- 
til I found a field! of labor, and conse- 
crated myself to the work. I know you 
will be glad to learn that, I am to serve 
God in the foreign missionary fields, and 
bright winged hope whispers to me, that 
one day you will be my very own, and 
we will go hand in hand in this great 
and good work together. You see that 
I have not given you up, nor do I feel 
that I ought. 

"I am studying very hard to fit my- 
self for usefulness in the field of labor 
to which I have been called; but spend 
most of my spare moments from study, 
in a little mission work which I have 
found in the slums and alleys of this 
great city. Indeed my convictions call 
me to missionary work altogether. Pray 
for me Theodora that I may achieve 



Through Pastures Green. 131 

something for Jesus; and 1 that my faith 
may grow brighter with constant exer- 
cise in His service. Write to me, and 
good bye until I see you. 

Harry." 

When I (finished, I dropped the letter 
as though its leaves were infected with 
poison; and quietly kneeling, I prayed 
that 'G-od would hush the daring hope that 
was beginning to throb in my bosom; 
and that he would blot out from my 
memory forever, every word of the letter 
that had' awakened it there. For had 
not God placed me at my post of duty — 
in my father's home and was I not satis- 
fied? Yea truly, for indeed each little 
homely duty done in Jesus' name how- 
ever obisecure and seen sometimes by no 
eye but His, brought satisfaction and the 
sweetest peace. Praise His name! And 
now at this post of duty I resolved to 
stay unless removed by His own guiding 
hand. And so I left the matter with 
Him. 

iSeptember the 1st. O Auntie! the good 
work goes on so fast;, that I can hardly 



132 Through Pastures Green. 

find time to write it down. Brother Na- 
than paid us a pastoral visit a few days 
ago, and unfolded a glorious plan of evan- 
gelizing the towns and villages on his cir- 
cuit. He wants all the Christian workers 
of the church, to meet him on the streets 
on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, for 
the purpose of holding services for the 
benefit of those who will not go to 
church. The nature of these meetings, 
he says, will be a combination of all sorts 
—preaching, exhortation, testimonies, 
prayers and praise. 

"A most excellent plan," said papa, to 
which I added, "The very idea." And 
looking to Eichard to hear his approval, 
I was not much surprised (knowing that 
the test was very severe to a young un- 
sanctified Christian), to see his face wear 
an expression of slavish fear, instead of 
joy at the suggestion. "Now" I thought, 
"he will see that he is not consecrated to 
the work of the ministry, for this is a sure 
test." 

"What do you think of this plan, Eich- 
ard?" said Brother Nathan, addressing 
him. 



Through Pastures Green. 133 

"Indeed I am not prepared to answer 
you/ 9 he replied. "It must be a good one, 
and yet it does not exactly suit my feel- 
ings. But perhaps it is my feelings that 
are not right — in fact, I believe that that 
is the difficulty, since there is something 
in them akin to that old slavish fear I 
felt at the Holcomb farm a few weeks 
before my conversion, when I prayed that 
(the s'torm would abate, and then im- 
agined with shame that some one had 
seen me on my knees. Sister, I am be- 
ginning to believe that you and Miss 
Sanders were right in saying that I was 
not consecrated to my work nor entirely 
dead to the world.' 9 

"Then you can find no better time to 
make the consecration ,and be crucified 
with 'Christ, than right now/ 9 I said. 

"Yes, ''Now is the accepted time/ 9> said 
Brother Nathan. "I wish to have prayer 
with the family before I leave, and when 
we kneel, lay yourself for usefulness, on 
the altar; and we will unite in an earnest 
prayer, that God will accept the offering 
and sanctify the gift. 99 

After prayer when we arose from onr 



134 Through Pastures Green. 

knees, papa asked; Kichard if he had the 
witness that the work was done. 

"No," he answered, "Yet I am re- 
solved, that I will henceforth join you 
and 'Brother Nathan, not only in this, but 
in every good work for the Master, re- 
gardless of the world." 

"My precious boy," said father, "if 
that is your offering, be sure God accepts 
it. He may withhold the evidence to try 
your faith for awhile; but be steadfast 
and immovable in your consecration, and 
the 'Spirit will surely bear witness to the 
work sooner or later. 

The news of Brother Nathan's plan of 
holding street services the following Sat- 
urday, spread throughout our little town, 
and even into the country, so that by the 
appointed time, the largest congregation 
that he had ever preached to since he be- 
gan to serve in the work, met in eager 
whispering groups, on the corner of Court 
Street, many of them, no doubt, to see 
for themselves "what that crazy preacher 
was going to do." 

The life-giving strains of the Battle 
Song rose on the air, from a deep but 



Through Pastures Green. 135 

mellow bass voice which I recognized at 
once. It was Bichard who was singing, 
and he came forward, book in hand and 
said: "We want every member of the 
church — no matter what your denomina- 
tion may ba — who are out and out for 
Christ, to come up near where we stand; 
for we need your help in exhortations, 
testimonies, prayers and songs." 

There were quite a number that had 
professed holiness <at our late revival 
meeting, that now came forward with 
easy freedom — consenting by their ac- 
tions to help in any way they could, to 
carry on the- good cause for which Christ 
died. 

Brother Nathan was standing near me, 
and in answer to my look of inquiry, he 
whispered that Elichardl had! consented 
to preach his first sermon, after which, 
he (Brother Nathan) would conclude the 
services. My heart did truly rejoice; and 
there went up a prayer from it, that God 
would endow him with heavenly wisdom. 

He selected as a text, Romans 10 :10 : 
"For with the heart man believeth 
unto righteousness; and with the mouth, 



136 Through Pastures Green. 

confession is made unto salvation/' His 
discourse, though short, was to the point, 
andi very impressive. Toward the close 
he said: "We can not please God with- 
out an open confession of Him on our 
part. This has been my experience since 
I have -begun to serve Him. When I 
wag seeking salvation, and my heart was 
all burdened with sin and guilt, I could 
not find relief until I became willing for 
the world to know it, and then to seek 
light and aid from the people of God. 
Again, a few days ago, after placing my- 
self and -all that I owned upon the altar 
of God to be used in His service in any 
way that seemed good in His sight, I felt 
no evidence that my offering was accept- 
ed until I began to talk in your hear- 
ing this afternoon, and make an open 
confession of the same. And now, praise 
the Lord ! I feel the holy fire is kindling. 
I say again that this has been my ex- 
perience — that to please God, we must 
confess Him before men, and glory to 
His holy name! I am not ashamed, nor 
afraid to confess Him. And though 
crosses and trials, tribulation and an- 



Through Pastures Green. 137 

guish, pain and sorrow come, yet will 
I exclaim with triumph "Who is able to 
separate us from the love of G-od?" 

As Eichardl closed, Brother Nathan, 
came forward; and after relating some- 
thing of his own experience, said that 
the meeting was now open for all who 
would give in their testimony as witness- 
es for Jesus. 

Father was the first to speak; and as 
he proceeded:, his words of glad testimony, 
changed to shouts of joy and praise. 

^G for a thousand tongues to sing!" 
was the hymn that followed — joined by 
a concourse of spiritual voices. 

To the great surprise of every one, 
Mr. Williams arose and asked for the 
prayers of the Christian people. This 
had a powerful influence, 'and many others 
followed the example, after which, tes- 
timonies, shouts and songs followed in 
rapid succession. It was indeed, a most 
beneficial and enjoyable occasion, which 
lasted until half past 5 o'clock when 
Brother Nathan closed the services with 
prayer and thanksgiving, leaving an 
appointment for the next day (which was 



138 Through Pastures Green. 

the Sabbath.), at the same hour, and' 
the same place. 

The glorious effect of this meeting was 
shown the next day, at the regular serv- 
ices in the church, by fifteen accessions; 
among whom, to my great joy and de- 
light was Lucy Perryman and her hus- 
band. 

Now dear Auntie I will close for this 
time. 

Yours, as ever, 

Theodora. 



Through Pastures Green. 139 



CHAFTEK XIII. 

Browse Hill, Not. 26, 18— 

Dear Aunt: I received a long letter 
from John yesterday, saying that his 
health was very much imparled and his 
physician had advised him to go north. 

He wrote that he expected to start the 
next day for Michigan in company with 
Mr. Brooks and family. 

"Mr. Brooks," he wrote, "is a man that 
commands my profoundest respect, for 
he is in every sense a Christian gentle- 
man. His good wife and his noble daugh- 
ter, Miss Salome, have been both a mo- 
ther and a sister to me; and during my 
feeble state of health, I have wanted for 
nothing that was in their power to pro- 
vide. 

"Away from home, and thrown among 
strangers as I am, I ought to exclaim, 
'Surely the lines have fallen unto me in 
pleasant places/' But little sister, I am 
far from happy. Perhaps it is my bad 
health that makes me feel so; and then 
sometimes I am persuaded to believe that 



140 Through Pastures Green. 

my unhappiness causes to some degree my 
ill health. Pray for me, for I would 
to God, that I had your sweet, peaceful 
frame of mind tonight." 

Poor boy! Why will he not yield his 
stubborn will to God? But he will in 
time I am confident, and then be as true 
and fixed to his duty as he is now op- 
posed to it. 

When I had read his letter, and shown 
it to papa, I went into the library; and 
taking from a shelf, a copy of Mr. Wes- 
ley on Christian Perfection, I asked papa 
to get a stamped wrapper at the post- 
office, and mail it to John for me. 

I then went to the nursery where little 
Clair was taking his afternoon nap. I 
examined his clothing to see if he was 
warm enough clad', and decided that I 
would put flannels on him without de- 
lay. Why was this anxiety for him on 
my part? And what made me feel his 
little pulse, and note his breathing if it 
was regular? I had had a dream the 
night before that he died, and in my 
dream I went with him to the very por- 
tals of heaven; and after bathing his 



Through Pastures Green. 141 

little hand's and feet with tears and kisses, 
a bodfy of angels unloosed him from my 
lender clasp, and bore him away — away 
out of my sight. 

I called Aunt Eichie and asked her to 
take him when he waked, and put his 
little flannel under vest on him — next to 
his body, and! to be very careful of his 
diet; and to keep him indoors, for the 
November winds were very gusty and 
raw. 

I put on my hat and went down town, 
for I had a little shopping to do. As I 
was returning, Eichard overtook me a 
few blocks from home, and tapping me 
on the shoulder, as he stepped up to my 
side, he said: 

"I have something to tell you. 'Can 
you keep a secret?" 

'"Perhaps I can guess it. Try me and 
see." 

'"All right," he said, and in his own 
literal way of expressing himself, added. 
"'Guess who's promised to ma^ry me?" 

"Mary Sanders?" 

"Did she tell you?" 

"Why of course not. But is it really 
true?" I exclaimed with delight. 



142 Through Pastures Green. 

"Yes/' he said, "it is verily true, for 
her own pure lips have spoken it. But 
tell me — -do you not think me a lucky 
fellow indeed?" 

"Oh! Richard, that does not in the 
least express it. Indeed you are divinely 
blest. In the work you have chosen for 
life, that sweet girl will be a loving help- 
mate by your side to cheer and bless" 

He then fell into a very thoughtful 
mood, and was silent until we reached 
home. 

November the 30th. Auntie, since I 
wrote you the above, we have been so 
sadly afflicted in own home. Indeed it 
pains me to write it down — that our 
little Clair is dead] — Yes he's gone: — 
never to brighten our home again with 
his loving presence. But safe, thank 
God! in the tender clasp of Him who 
carries the lambs in His bosom — 

"Safe in the arms of Jesus." 

Oh! I know something of those arms; 
for they have been my support through 
many a stormy blast, and now, how ten- 
derly they are bearing me up in this sore 
affliction. 



Through Pastures Green. 143 

He was taken very sick on the night 
of the afternoon that Kichard! unfolded 
to me the joyful news of his engagement 
with Mary iSanders. When we arrived 
home that evening, we found a bright fire 
blazing on the hearth, and the children, 
who had returned from school, engaged 
in the beloved sport of childhood — 
parching pop corn before the fire. 

May-Bell had strung a lot of it, and 
tying it together, had wound it around 
little Clair's neck, to his great delight. 
As he toyed with his beautiful necklace, 
Aunt Eachie, who sat in the opposite cor- 
ner, patted her foot and bowed her head 
to him, with a broad grin of satisfac- 
tion on her wrinkled face. 

Late in the night he was taken vio- 
lently ill. It seems he must have eaten 
some of the corn or Tather swallowed it 
whole, as he could not chew it, and it 
congested on his stomach throwing him 
into convulsions and he died in a short 
while. 

It has been but a few days since we 
laid his little form in the family grave- 
yard beside dear mama's; but oh! with 



144 Through Pastures Green. 

what speed have my thoughts traveled 
over the past few months that our home 
has "been blessed with his loving presence ! 

Auntie! I am pricked to the heart 
with the thought, that I did not make 
his brief stay upon earth as joyous and 
bright as I might have done. I have 
often thought that if God should take 
away a member of our household, that 

1 would not grieve, as I loved His will 
so much. But I did not understand 
then, that one could grieve, without re- 
bellion. I do indeed shed tears over the 
loss of our darling; but thank God! they 
do not spring from any rebellion in 
my heart, but from a stream of suffering 
love, that will flow despite all I can do, 
and for which I feel no condemnation. 

But now my blessed Savior comforts 
me with one bright recollection of the 
past. I am thinking of one lovely even- 
ing, a few weeks before he was taken sick, 
when I carried him out into the yard, and 
walked him up and down the lawn in 
front of the door. This was an exercise 
that he dearly loved, and I indulged him 
that evening until it was too late to keep 



Through Pastures Green. 145 

him out. He enjoyed it I know; for T 
remember as I walked him back and 
forth, that every now and then he wonld 
turn his little face up toward me, with 
such a grateful smile, and when, at last, 
I carried him into the house, he did 
not want to go. 

Oh! how I regret that I did not give 
him this pleasure oftener ! But now he is 
gone, and my arms are so empty, and 
my heart is so sad. 

Dear Mrs. 'Comer, who has been like a 
mother to us in our affliction, says, that 
Grod crushes our hearts, to extract from 
them the sweet essence of praise. Glory 
to His name ! He shall have naught, but 
praise from mine. I will not look back 
over mistakes that I can not remedy now, 
but will gather up the little lessons which 
I learn from them as I go, and press for- 
ward in my march to a brighter world. 

May-Bell waked me up this morning, 
laughing in her sleep ; and when she open, 
ed her eyes, she exclaimed with disap- 
pointment, "Where is he? Is he gone?" 

'"Who, my darling?" said I. 

"Oh! nothing. Fve been dreaming — 



146 Through Pastures Green. 

that's all. I thought I went to heaven's 
gate and; peeped in — and Oh! what I saw ! 
Ever so many engels — as bright as the 
sun — all round a high place with steps 
to it. I suppose it was the throne of 
God, for a man sat upon it with holes 
in his hands. Not far fromi the throne 
I saw an angel that looked like our little 
'Clair. I know it was he; for all at 
once I was lifted up, and carried into the 
very midst of the throng, and set down 
right before him. When he saw me, he 
laughed just exactly as he used to when 
I came home from school, and he would 
be so glad' to see me. Then I dreamed 
that every one of the angels clapped their 
wings and began to sing and play upon 
the harps they held in their hands. 
Not Frenchharps, sister, but harps with 
strings to them. The music was so 
sweet, that I laughed with joy, and th? 
waked me me up and I found it was all 
a dream." 

Auntie! I can not write more just 
now, but will finish my letter tomorrow. 

December 1st: Eichard will leave for 
conference tomorrow. This evening as 



Through Pastures Green. 147 

be was packing his valise, Van, who was 
watching him with interest, said in an 
undertone to May-Bell at his side: "I 
say Bell, I guess it'll not be very many 
years, before I'll be packing my valise to 
go to conference." My heart responded 
with a glad amen! Then I recollected 
having heard mama say at one time, that 
she had prayed that Gk>d would call all 
her boys to the ministry. Richard looked 
up at me and smiled; and when Van saw 
that he had been overheard, he turned a 
somersault on the floor, to hide his em- 
barrassment. 

"Yan," said Richie, "don't be ashamed 
of that remark, but get up from the floor 
like a man;, or you'll be a circus boy if 
you don't mind — instead of a preacher." 

ILater in the day — dear old Aunt Ea- 
chie is very feeble. (She says she misses 
her baby, and will shortly be with him 
in glory. I have employed another serv- 
ant, as she is unable to do anything at 
all. Pray for us and write soon to an 
afflicted household. 

Yours as ever, 

Theodora. 



148 Through Pastures Green. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Browse Hill, April 11, 18— 

My dear Aunt: The past few winter 
months have sped by so rapidly, I can 
hardly realize that it is spring again. 
Nevertheless it is here with all its "birds 
and buds, and flowers." 

Dear Auntie, there is such a swwet and 
quiet joy in my heart while I write, for 
Godi has blessed me exceedingly — yea 
more than usually falls to the lot of the 
weak and erring. 

N"o doubt the announcement of one of 
the causes of my joy, will be a surprise 
to you, as it was quite unexpected to 
me. Father and dear Mrs. 'Comer — my 
mother's best friend while she was on 
earth, were quitly married last week in 
Mrs. Comer's home. Late in the after- 
noon of the same day, father brought her 
home, to preside, as she does with loving 
motherly interest over our stricken house- 
hold. 

We do not feel that she has taken 
mama's place — no one could ever do 



Through Pastures (jtr&en. 149 

that; but her coming to us at this time 
of bereavement and! great sorrow, seems 
more like a benediction from G-od, than 
anything else. 

Another source of joy that has come to 
us, is a long, precious letter from John, 
a portion of which I will quote to you. 
He says, "I have placed! myself and all 
I have or ever expect to have, on the al- 
tar; and Fm not my own, and I don't 
want to be. So I can truthfully say from 
a full heart, 

'I have lost myself in Jesus, 
I am sinking into God/ 

"iOh! the depth and sweetness of the 
joy. I can never express. But dear little 
sister, I now understand how you feel." 

'Then again, Harry is coming home. 

I don't know yet what my future will 
be. I am living a moment at a time. 
Should my Heavenly Father see best to 
take my present work from me, and 
broaden my field of usefulness, even 
though that work be far away from home 
and loved ones, His will, not mine, be 
done. 



150 Through Pastures Green. 

Late Saturday afternoon, while in the 
midst of these reflections, I put on my 
sunhat, and calling Van and May-Bell, 
we walked out to the cemetery. 

Nature was arraying herself in her 
beautiful spring robe; and as we opened 
the large heavy gate, we stood a moment 
gazing with admiration on ithe beautiful, 
yet quiet scene in the 'City of the Dead. 
Careful hands left an expression of lov- 
ing remembrance at almost every grave; 
for the air was heavy with the odor of 
flowers from queenly magnolia and jesa- 
mine, down to the little hyacinths, mig- 
nonettes and violets. 

We picked our way through trailing 
vines and flowering shrubs till we reach- 
ed the place of our darling dead. The 
children put the long-stemmed lilies Which 
they had brought with them, in a vase at 
the head of mama's grave. They knelt 
down beside it and kissed the marble 
slab that marked her resting place. I 
fell on my knees beside them, while tears 
rained from my eyes. We heard father's 
step, and soon he was kneeling beside 
us while he spoke in undertone these 



Through Pactures Green. 151 

comforting words, "I am the resurrec- 
tion and the life." And there in the 
gathering twilight on our knees, we re- 
newed our vows to Him whose eye never 
slumbers. And now dear Auntie, before 
I close this letter, I will answer the 
question you asked me in your last one 
— 'may you have my letters published. 
I answer yes with all my heart; and 
though it may be a feeble effort to ac- 
complish good, yet should it win one soul 
from the error of its way, or lead one 
weary pilgrim into the Beulah land, 
then I think it will not have proven an 
useless endeavor. 

Your little girl, 

Theodora. 
The End. 



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